When the news came through that the Wildlife Trust had purchased an upland area of the Rothbury Estate - including the beloved Simonside Hills - Rothbury CAN members and supporters could hardly believe it. We were beside ourselves with happiness - it was simply the best news of all!
When we first heard that this iconic area - 9,500 acres - owned by Lord Max Percy - was on the market for £35 million, I think the whole of Coquetdale was shocked and worried about who might buy - and with what plans. The BBC reported that 'locals dread new ownership'
The Tatler, however, reported it like this:
"England’s largest land sale in 30 years is taking place. Lord Max Percy, the youngest child of the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, is selling the 9,500-acre Rothbury estate for an asking price of £35 million. The property, which has been in the Percy family since 1332, offers one ultra-high-net-worth individual the opportunity to own a sprawling slice of rural Northumberland."
The worry was, who would that ultra-high-net-worth individual be? Remember when it was said that Brian May was interested? In 2013, Brian May did buy 157 acres of agricultural land in Dorset, and turned it into a woodland wildlife sanctuary. Could something like this happen here?
Many people were hopeful, as was reported in the Northumberland Gazette.
Shooting Times was not so happy about the possibility: "If Sir Brian does take the plunge, it is safe to assume that the gamekeepers and locals who rely on the sporting activities of Rothbury for their livelihoods will be hung out to dry."
We didn't hear much more - apart from rumours about finance companies being interested. (Now that was scary..).
Rothbury CAN members and supporters were very much hoping that whoever took on the Estate would do it for the benefit of biodiversity, and climate change mitigation, as well as continuing with food production with regenerative/organic farming. So when, in late October 2024 October, the news broke that the Wildlife Trust had bought part of it, and was campaigning to purchase more, there was immense celebrations and happiness !
Knight Frank, the global real estate consultancy and estate agency, said, on selling the property :
"The size and breadth of the Estate presents unique opportunities for The Wildlife Trusts to preserve this treasured piece of English countryside. A location of ecological importance, it is home to a plethora of notable wildlife including curlews, red grouse, mountain bumblebees, emperor moths, and red squirrels, alongside endangered species such as the merlin and cuckoo. Its substantial forestry, grassland, peatland, rock habitats further speak to the significant environmental value it represents.
'We are delighted to announce the sale of The Rothbury Estate to The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, who we have no doubt will act as brilliant custodians of this truly special Estate,' says Claire Whitfield, Partner at Knight Frank".
Their blog continues:
“We’re very excited to be part of a once in a generation opportunity for a stunning area of countryside where people and nature can thrive side by side,” explains Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust. “It signals the start of something quite unique in Northumberland – and it will also have impact on a national scale.”
Importantly the Estate is a thriving community, and the sale has carefully considered the interests of the current farmers, many of whom hold agricultural tenancies with lifetime security. A large portion of the land also sits within the Northumberland National Park, including a network of footpaths and bridleways. There will be no alterations to this public access and all land currently protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act will remain unchanged.
As Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, shares, “The Rothbury Estate will come to play a key role in revitalising local economies, delivering multiple societal and environmental benefits – and it’ll provide the most amazing example for the rest of the country on a scale not seen before. We’re all absolutely delighted to be part of securing this precious piece of natural heritage for the nation.” Knight Frank on Facebook
Please consider supporting this purchase - every little will help! It feels good to be part of a future that is helpful to all, and importantly, to the planet. Donate here at the Wildlife Trust. Help to make history together!
Each and every donation will help to secure the future of the estate - for farmers and for the community. It will help special wildlife to thrive. Woodlands and wetlands and peatlands will be a safe haven, protected and cared for. Most exciting of all - it will be part of a Wilder Future - as it will form part of the 40 mile wildlife corridor! This will connect Kielderhead National Nature Reserve through to Druridge Bay. It will make it one of the largest nature recovery areas in England!
So this was the best news of 2024 - and it brings a huge smile to our faces as we enter 2025.
It is not the only good news for Climate and Nature supporters, though! More to follow, as we find out what Living Woods CLC have been up to in our area!
Watch this space for further information!
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