UK Wildlife Groups Raise £10M Toward £30M Nature Reserve Purchase

A coalition of UK wildlife charities has secured nearly £10 million—one-third of their ambitious £30 million (US$39 million) fundraising goal—to purchase a massive tract of land in northeastern England for conservation. The Rothbury Estate spans 3,839 hectares (9,486 acres), roughly equivalent to the size of Athens, and sits adjacent to a national park in Northumberland.

The Wildlife Trusts network plans to transform this expansive landscape into a haven for both wildlife and local communities. Their vision includes protecting native species like red squirrels, pine martens, curlews, and skylarks, while also reintroducing European bison and beavers to restore natural ecosystems. The area could potentially support golden eagles, which have recently returned to northern England after decades of absence.

Legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough has thrown his support behind the campaign, emphasizing the collaborative approach with local farmers and communities. “They will work with local farmers to care for the area and breathe new life into it with the communities who live and work at Rothbury,” Attenborough said in a promotional video.

The estate became available in 2023 when 35-year-old aristocrat Max Percy put it up for sale. Percy, who grew up in the castle featured as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, saw an opportunity to ensure the land’s conservation future. The Wildlife Trusts have already secured their first piece of the puzzle, purchasing the Simonside Hills portion—characterized by sweeping moorland—in October 2024, marking a significant milestone in this groundbreaking conservation effort.