The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust have agreed a deal to acquire the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland from Lord Max Percy for an undisclosed price.
The charities have agreed to buy the whole estate, which encompasses 9,486 acres of grassland, moorland and woodland, along with a portfolio of farms and cottages, through a two-phase purchase agreement.
The estate’s size presents a unique opportunity to establish it as a ‘national flagship’ site and included in the sale is a substantial area of land within Northumberland National Park.
There will be no alterations to public access and all land currently protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act will remain unchanged.
Lord Max Percy said: “I am pleased to announce that I have reached an agreement for the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts to purchase the Rothbury Estate with Northumberland Wildlife Trust. I am confident that this acquisition will secure long-term and sustainable management for the future of everyone living and working on the Rothbury Estate, as well as for the local community. Additionally, I have been reassured that The Wildlife Trusts will work closely with tenants to enhance employment opportunities and to collaborate closely on their aspirations for the estate.”
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, added: “We’re very excited to be part of a once in a generation opportunity for a stunning area of countryside where people and nature can thrive side by side. It signals the start of something quite unique in Northumberland – and it will also have impact on a national scale. We’re looking forward to working with local people to create an exemplar of how farming, economy, nature and community are integrated – something that the community can feel immensely proud of.
“We’ll be talking and listening to people who live and work in the area over the coming months and we’re looking forward to working together to evolve a long-term plan for the estate that respects its traditions and the livelihoods that depend on it. We will preserve and enhance public access and recreation opportunities so that people can enjoy this wonderful place.”
Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “This is a thrilling moment for The Wildlife Trusts who are working collectively – coming together from across the UK – to create a national flagship for nature recovery for the very first time. It’s a historic moment for our federation. The Rothbury Estate will come to play a key role in revitalising local economies, delivering multiple societal and environmental benefits – and it’ll provide the most amazing example for the rest of the country on a scale not seen before. We’re all absolutely delighted to be part of securing this precious piece of natural heritage for the nation.”
Claire Whitfield, partner at Knight Frank, which acted for the estate on the sale, said: “We are delighted to announce the sale of The Rothbury Estate to The Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts, who we have no doubt will act as brilliant custodians of this truly special estate. Throughout a considered sales campaign, targeting our network of environmentally conscious potential buyers, we received far reaching interest in this exceptionally rare opportunity, highlighting the appeal of this beautiful, nature-rich landscape.
“The sale reflects our expertise in securing buyers for the most prestigious and unique property assets despite challenging market headwinds and it has been an absolute privilege to be involved in finding a suitable buyer on behalf of our client. The kindness from the estate team and community has been remarkable, and we are grateful for their support throughout this process.”
Roland Bull, partner and head of rural investment at Bidwells, which represented the trusts on the purchase, added: “It was a privilege to have advised The Wildlife Trusts on this acquisition, which represents an avenue through which some of Britain’s most important ecological assets can be further enhanced and utilised to the benefit of the local community. We look forward to seeing how this very special part of the British countryside evolves over the coming years.”
