# Rothbury Estate conservation fundraising campaign

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rothbury-estate-conservation-fundraising-campaign
> Updated: 2026-08-26T05:07:53.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are engaged in a campaign to acquire the 3,800-hectare Rothbury Estate in northern England to establish a biodiversity sanctuary. The estate, held by the Percy family for nearly 700 years, was put up for sale in 2023.

Initial fundraising efforts through crowdfunding had raised over £21 million of a £30 million goal. Following a surge of £5.5 million in anonymous pledges within a single week, the total raised reached approximately £26.27 million. 

The conservation groups have until the end of October to complete the legal purchase. Proposed restoration plans for the landscape include peatland and bog restoration, tree planting, nature-friendly farming, and the potential reintroduction of European bison. To secure the acquisition, the trusts are arranging low-interest loans as a contingency and have launched a match-funding initiative to double donations up to £600,000 made before September 30.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Rothbury Estate conservation appeal nears £30m target

Conservation groups are within £4 million of their £30 million goal to purchase the 3,800-hectare Rothbury Estate in Northumberland for wildlife restoration.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rothbury-estate-conservation-appeal-nears-30m-target

### 2026-08-22: Rothbury Estate conservation bid seeks £30 million

The Wildlife Trusts is racing to raise £30 million to purchase the historic Rothbury Estate in England, aiming to transform the vast domain into a major biodiversity sanctuary.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rothbury-estate-conservation-bid-seeks-30-million

---
Cite as: Rothbury Estate conservation fundraising campaign. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rothbury-estate-conservation-fundraising-campaign