Wildlife trusts acquire Rothbury Estate in landmark purchase

The Wildlife Trusts and the Northumberland Wildlife Trust have reached an agreement to purchase the 3,800ha Rothbury Estate in Northumberland, marking it as England’s largest single land purchase for 30 years.

This acquisition involves a two-phase purchase agreement and encompasses diverse habitats, including grassland, peatland, and heathland, along with 12 farms, and 23 residential properties.

The first part of the acquisition includes the Simonside Hills and a mixture of lowland, woods, riverside, and farmland on the western side of the estate. The Wildlife Trusts have launched a £30m appeal to secure the whole estate.

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The land, which has been in the family for 700 years, was put up for sale by the Duke of Northumberland’s youngest son, Lord Max Percy.

A spokesperson for the Wildlife Trusts said: “By acquiring the Rothbury Estate, the Wildlife Trusts will enhance its rich natural heritage for the nation and create a sustainable future for farmers.”

The interests of tenant farmers, most of whom hold lifetime agricultural tenancies, were said to be crucial during the sale process.

Knight Frank, the real estate agent that facilitated the sale, said: “It will be a priority for Northumberland Wildlife Trust to establish and maintain a positive and sustainable relationship with them.”

Precarious position

George Dunn, from the Tennant Farmers Association, said: “Those farmers who are on secure AHA [Agricultural Holdings Act] tenancies will be able to carry on for a lifetime. But the remaining FBTs [farm business tenancies] are in a more precarious position – they could see themselves losing the land and their farms.

“If I was on an FBT, I would be very concerned about my future and looking to take some advice.

“We want to make sure the trusts understand their responsibilities and abide by the landlord code of practice working as co-operatively as they can.”

Access

The acquisition will maintain existing public access rights, ensuring that footpaths and bridleways across the estate remain unaltered.

Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “It signals the start of something quite unique in Northumberland.

“We’re looking forward to working with local people to create an exemplar of how farming, economy, nature and community are integrated.”

The Rothbury Estate holds considerable ecological significance, featuring areas designated as sites of special scientific interest.

It supports a range of endangered species, including the merlin and cuckoo, as well as various notable wildlife such as curlews, red grouse and red squirrels.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the organisation.

“This is a historic moment for our federation,” he said, highlighting the potential for the Rothbury Estate to act as a national flagship for nature recovery.

Claire Whitfield from Knight Frank described the Wildlife Trusts as “brilliant custodians” for the estate’s future.