Government's pledge of nearly £2m to support Rothbury Estate bid questioned by Northumberland Conservatives

The £1.94m grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) puts the Wildlife Trusts’ on the verge of reaching its £30m fundraising target.

However, Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson has challenged the decision at a time when farmers struggle to access support and major local projects await investment.

In September, Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) application window closed less than six hours after opening when its available budget was allocated.

Cllr Renner-Thompson, chairman of Northumberland Conservatives, said: “This Government has its priorities wrong. Farmers were left scrambling for SFI funding in an application window that opened and closed the same day. Yet ministers can find nearly £2 million to help a charity buy an estate.

“Defra should be focusing its support on our farmers and fishermen, the people producing our food and sustaining Northumberland’s rural and coastal communities.

“They need certainty to invest in their businesses and plan for the future. They deserve better than a frantic race to submit an application before the money runs out.”

Farmers on the estate have already raised concerns about food production, changes to traditional land management and whether their businesses can remain profitable.

Cllr Renner-Thompson continued: “These concerns deserve answers. Ministers should explain what conditions accompany this grant, how tenant farmers and food production will be protected, and how the estate’s long-term management will be funded.

“We support investment that benefits nature and our communities. But that does not put this particular purchase beyond scrutiny.”

He also contrasted the pledge with outstanding infrastructure needs across Northumberland.

“Government support is still being sought for Berwick Academy, A1 dualling has been cancelled and funding for the Blyth Relief Road refused.

“Nobody suggests £1.94 million would pay for those projects. But every spending decision reflects a choice.”

The Wildlife Trusts’ says its ambitious appeal to raise £30m to purchase the 9,500-acre estate in its entirety, if successful, will help create a bigger, better and more joined-up area for nature and people to thrive in the North East.

David Smith, Labour MP for North Northumberland, said: “It’s great news that Defra has pledged £1.9 million to help secure the future of the Rothbury Estate.

"This is a huge boost for The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust campaign to protect this remarkable landscape for future generations. And it's not just about nature – it also provides long-term certainty for 12 farms, 23 homes and a village pub!

"There are very few places in England where nature recovery can happen on this scale, and this funding is a major step forward for the project.”