Rothbury Estate Map

The map below shows the extent of the Rothbury Estate, in Northumberland.

Rothbury Estate Map

Who Owns Norfolk produced this Rothbury Estate Map.

For almost seven centuries, the land has been owned by the Percy family, the Dukes of Northumberland, but in 2023, it was listed for sale by their youngest son, Max Percy — making it the largest piece of land to be on the market in England for the last 30 years.

At 9,500 acres, the Rothbury Estate is the size of Athens – or central London. The Wildlife Trusts, believing that it offers huge scope for restoring nature at scale, have launched an appeal to buy the land (which is supported by David Attenborough).

The Wildlife Trusts have stated:

"Right now, this rare wild place is at risk of being sold off, divided and lost for nature.

If it’s sold off to multiple buyers, it risks being broken apart and managed purely for profit. Centuries of history, precious wildlife and local connection could be lost. The chance to create one of England’s largest areas for nature, for people and wildlife, squandered."

Given the estate is mostly non-productive upland, restoring nature across this estate would have minimal effect on food production (compared to the more productive lowland arable areas in the East of England). Indeed, the North East Region of England is by the far the country's least productive agricultural region; nature restoration projects pursued here will therefore have much less impact on the UK's food security.

Farming incomes for each region for 2024 and 2023 (£ million)

The Wildlife Trusts have until September to raise the money. At the time of writing they had raised 50% of the required £30 million. You can donate here.

Rolling hills at the Rothbury Estate; Rothbury Estate Map