# Attenborough-backed appeal secures £30m estate

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/attenborough-backed-appeal-secures-30m-estate/
- Published: 2026-10-30T06:16:43+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T07:50:36+00:00
- Original publisher: BBC Science (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck79pj8zn3vwo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
- Topics: Environment, Science

## Key points

- Conservation groups have completed the £30m Rothbury Estate purchase.
- More than 25,000 people contributed to the appeal.
- Plans combine nature recovery with sustainable farming.

## Summary

The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust have completed the £30m purchase of the 9,500-acre Rothbury Estate in Northumberland after a two-year public appeal backed by Sir David Attenborough. The groups aim to restore nature while supporting farming and local communities, and say the purchase prevents the estate being divided among several owners, which had raised concerns about public access.

More than 25,000 people donated, and major contributions included a £5m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and £1.94m from Defra. A low-interest loan is bridging a short-term gap while pledged donations arrive. The former grouse moor includes woodland, farmland, rivers and habitats for species such as curlews and red squirrels; conservationists hope to expand the area’s wildlife and create a 40-mile nature corridor, though some local farmers have criticised the plan.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.