The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust completed a 30 million purchase of the Rothbury Estate, a 9,500-acre upland landscape including grouse moor, woodland and farmland, after a two-year fundraising drive backed by figures such as Sir David Attenborough.

This 3,800-hectare (9,500-acre) estate marks the largest land acquisition in the UK in three decades, with plans to transform it into a biodiversity sanctuary.

David Attenborough praised public support and stressed a future where nature, people, farming and heritage thrive together on the estate.

Local farmers opposed parts of the deal, questioning its necessity and potential impact on livelihoods, with the community divided on the campaign.

The initiative began with a protective partial purchase in 2024 of the Simonside Hills and other habitats, setting a two-year target to acquire remaining portions if fundraising targets were met.

On-the-ground projects include eco-acoustic monitoring by volunteers and soil health assessments, reflecting active community involvement.

Campaign aims include restoring and expanding habitats to boost wildlife, with hopes of reintroducing water voles and curlews and aiding the return of pine martens.

The project seeks to integrate nature-friendly farming and wildlife promotion across the estate, creating a landscape where nature, community, farming and heritage can thrive together.

Initial surveying and project work has begun on the estate, which is renowned for its crags and prehistoric rock art, and walkers already access parts of the area.

Max Percy, representing the Dukes of Northumberland who sold the land, said the land had become hard to manage remotely and chose to sell, giving the Trusts two years to raise funds.

Some farmers worry about food production and land management changes, though Pratt of Northumberland Wildlife Trust argues the plan can balance wildlife recovery with productive farming.

Farmers on the estate, mainly sheep farmers, are encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly practices, reducing pesticides and synthetic fertilisers.