New estate's owners asked to work with farmers

The new owners of the biggest estate to be sold in England for 30 years are being asked to work with its tenant farmers.

The Wildlife Trusts charity announced the purchase of a section of the 9,500-acre Rothbury Estate in Northumberland on Tuesday, alongside a commitment to purchase the remainder over the next two years. 

Northumberland Wildlife Trust, which is part of the group, has said it will work with local people to "create an exemplar of how nature, farming and community can be integrated".

But farmer and Conservative Wooler councillor Mark Mather said he was "concerned" for future food production and hoped "those who have farmed the land for generations will be listened to".

The current purchase includes the Simonside Hills and a mixture of lowland, woods, riverside and farmland on the western site of the estate.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust says it aims to enhance "the rich natural heritage of the estate for future generations", while avoiding the land being broken up which would make public access more difficult.

Mr Mather says he is pleased they have committed to a large consultation.

"The land is beautiful because of the way it has been farmed for generations and that needs to be respected," he said.

"A lot of land is now being planted with trees or rewilded, which is all very well, but then we just have to import food with poorer welfare standards from abroad."

Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, says the local farming community "are already under significant pressure and change."

"I hope the new owners recognise the importance and value of sheep farming, of keeping rural communities and economies alive and feeding people," he said.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust said it wanted to come up with a vision "together" with farmers.

It added: "The Rothbury estate has enormous potential to create a flagship model for upland agriculture, which could demonstrate a sustainable future for local farmers in the light of changing subsidies."

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