Sir David Attenborough champions landmark Rothbury Appeal to raise £30m for nature and the nation - The Wildlife Trusts

Ambitious UK wildlife project will pioneer nature recovery alongside farming, recreation, education, tourism

Sir David Attenborough, now in his hundredth year, has stepped forward to champion the £30m Rothbury Appeal on its first anniversary in a bid to create a major step-change for nature recovery in the UK.

Sir David’s support comes at a critical time because there is just one year left to raise the £30 million needed to complete the purchase of the historic Rothbury Estate. Over £8 million has already been raised from individual donations ranging from £5 to £5 million.

This vast upland – at 9,500 acres, it is the size of Athens – is the largest area of land to be put on sale in England in decades. It offers huge scope for restoring nature, at scale, to benefit both wildlife and people.

Sir David Attenborough says: “Time is running out to save the historic Rothbury Estate. This huge, heart-shaped expanse of moorland, rivers, forest and upland in Northumberland needs your help. People know and love the Simonside Hills that rise here. They walk the ridges and listen for the calls of the curlew. They watch for red squirrels and admire the views as they scramble among the crags. They walk along its remote paths and marvel at the astonishing rock carvings left by our distant ancestors, who once lived here. The Wildlife Trusts have launched an appeal to buy this very special place. They will work with local farmers to care for the area and breathe new life into its precious wildlife habitats. With the communities who live and work at Rothbury, The Wildlife Trusts will create a place where people and nature can thrive side by side. Please help us make this vision a reality. Thank you.”