Attenborough inspires rush of donations to buy Rothbury Estate

Conservation charities hoping to buy a huge stretch of land in northern England have raised £531,000 in the few hours after Sir David Attenborough backed their campaign.

The documentarian made a video plea on behalf of a Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) appeal for £30m to buy the Rothbury Estate from the Duke of Northumberland.

He officially lent his support on Wednesday, inspiring thousands of people to donate to the trusts and their aim to boost wildlife, restore bogs and promote nature-friendly farming on the land.

NWT’s chief executive Mike Pratt said the legendary broadcaster had put his “time and priority” into promoting the fund which has now topped £9m.

Mr Pratt said people were not used to spending large sums of money to restore the environment, but added: “If we want nature to thrive into the future, we really need to invest at that sort of scale and this is such a unique opportunity,.

“People can see that. David Attenborough has articulated that in his 100th year.”

The Rothbury Estate stretches across more than 3,800 hectares (14.7 sq miles) and is roughly the size of the Greek capital Athens.

It is the largest area of land to be put on sale in England in decades and sits in the heart of what nature experts said could be a 40-mile (64km) “wild” corridor, from the coast to Kielder and the Scottish border.

Home to red squirrels, skylarks, curlews and salmon, it is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists.

The charity has already purchased one parcel of the land, the Simonside Hills, and has a year to raise the £30m needed to secure the entire estate, or risk it being broken up and sold off.

The Wildlife Trusts said Rothbury had “clearly touched the hearts” of the public.

By Wednesday lunchtime it had received 4,800 donations in the hours immediately following Sir David’s call to action.

Individual gifts ranged from £1 to £10,000 and included some from mainland Europe and Australia.

“We’re immensely grateful to each and every person who has donated and to the many who have shared their reflections about this wonderful landscape,” the organisation said.

“Our deep gratitude goes to Sir David Attenborough, for supporting our appeal.”

In his appeal, Sir David said: “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 mission a reality.”