Northumberland Wildlife Trust is calling on the public to back a crucial wildlife appeal before a key purchasing deadline next month. The charity needs additional funds to secure the future of the 3,800-hectare Rothbury Estate, a vital sanctuary for diverse species.
Why the Rothbury Estate Matters
The estate offers a rare mix of habitats on land, in water, and in the skies, seldom found across the country. It provides a home for otters in its rivers, protects rare beetles, and safeguards key habitats for the smallest local bird of prey. Conservation ownership of part of the land was secured on October 29, 2024, thanks to generous donations and philanthropic loans.
Ongoing Conservation Work
Restoration of peatland, monitoring of species, and rebuilding natural grasslands are already under way. Community partnerships and university research projects have been established to help monitor the area.
Match Funding Opportunity
Every donation made during August will be matched pound-for-pound up to £100,000, thanks to support from Ringtons and The Dixon Foundation. This extra funding will help pay for ongoing nature recovery projects across the entire estate.
Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: "We are enormously grateful to Ringtons and The Dixon Foundation for their amazing match funding pledge and to everybody who has supported our commitment to nature's recovery via individual donations, and appeal support."
He added: "This is an opportunity which won't present itself again and as we only have a few weeks left to raise the money to buy the rest of the Estate we would be absolutely delighted if members of the public could help us create a wonderful natural heritage site to show the entire world how amazing this region really is."
How to Help
Donations can be made at www.wildlifetrusts.org/appeals/rothbury-estate-match-appeal-august-2026. Every contribution brings the Trust closer to securing this invaluable natural heritage for future generations.
