Two generous donations received by The Wildlife Trusts to help purchase the historic Rothbury Estate in Northumberland have provided a significant boost to the start of the final months of fundraising. A philanthropist and the Monday Charitable Trust have both shared their support for nature, giving £1 million and £500,000 respectively to the appeal, taking the total raised over the £11.5 million mark just weeks after the £10 million milestone was reached.

With a target of £30 million to be raised by September 2026 to complete the purchase, these two substantial donations have come at the perfect time this Valentine’s Day, expressing their commitment to wildlife and maintaining the momentum that is now building in earnest for the appeal.

“We’re standing on the edge of a moment that won’t come again.” Watch the new film about the Rothbury Estate appeal narrated by President of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Conrad Dickinson below.

To celebrate moving into the final months of fundraising, The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are excited to share a brand-new short film narrated by one of the world’s most renowned explorers and proud ‘born and bred’ Northumbrian, Conrad Dickinson. Conrad is backing the campaign to purchase the Rothbury Estate and has helped to create this short film, showcasing the beauty of the estate whilst highlighting the importance of the success of the appeal for both nature and people.

Conrad Dickinson, polar explorer, president of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, and a Northumbrian says:

“This is a unique and important moment in time, not just for Northumberland but for the nation. This opportunity to bring a vision to life on the Rothbury Estate where nature and people thrive side by side is extraordinary and I hope people across the UK and the world are inspired when watching this short film to donate, support the appeal and show their love for this wonderful estate. This is a special place, close to my heart, let’s work together to raise the funds to make this vision a reality.”

Katy Barke, head of nature recovery at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, says:

“These two major donations coming at the start of the final year of fundraising to purchase the historic Rothbury Estate has been so exciting and heart-warming. To know that there is so much support for the campaign is fantastic, and we are so appreciative of every single one of the donations we have received. This fantastic start to the year has been hugely inspiring and rejuvenating. This is the year we can make protecting the future of the Rothbury Estate happen!” 

The clock is ticking on this once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland; a place of rare beauty, steeped in human history, with rolling moorlands, woodlands and wide-open starry skies. This heart-shaped haven, stretching over 3,800 hectares, holds spectacular views, hidden valleys and rivers alive with life. 

The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust have already secured part of the estate, including the Simonside Hills, and in eight months’ time, the appeal must reach its target of £30m to buy the rest.

Send a virtual Valentine’s gift this year by making a donation and showing your love for nature at www.wildlifetrusts.org/rothbury-virtual-valentine