Northumberland Wildlife Trust launches appeal to save cuckoos

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is taking part in the Earth Raise Match Fund Appeal, a week-long campaign in April that will help the trust raise funds to buy the remainder of the Rothbury Estate.

The estate is one of the UK’s most important strongholds for the red-listed bird.

Duncan Hutt, director of conservation at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: “We have until September 2026 to raise £30 million to buy the rest of the Rothbury Estate and would be delighted if members of the public could help us create a wonderful natural heritage site to show the entire world how amazing this region really is.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is backing the Earth Raise Match Fund Appeal to raise funds to purchase the remaining Rothbury Estate and help protect cuckoos in the North East (Image: Supplied)

“And remember, every donation is doubled thanks to a generous donor and the Earth Raise Match Fund.”

The cuckoo, known for its distinctive ‘cuck-oo’ call and its long-held place as a symbol of spring, has seen its numbers decline by 71 per cent since the 1990s.

It is now on the Red List in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report.

The Rothbury Estate covers 3,800 hectares and is a vital mosaic of habitats.

If it is sold in parts to multiple buyers, these habitats could be broken up.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust aims to raise £200,000 through the Earth Raise Match Fund Appeal.

If successful, the funds will go towards conserving rare habitats, restoring the landscape and practising regenerative agriculture on the estate.

Every donation made during the week-long campaign will be doubled.

The Earth Raise Match Fund is part of the wider Green Match Fund.

It has raised more than £23 million for environmental causes since 2021.

The appeal runs from midday on Wednesday, April 22, to midday on Wednesday, April 29.

Members of the public can support the campaign by donating online at www.wtru.st/rothbury-earth-raise.

The Rothbury Estate is considered “a crucial stronghold for cuckoos” and other wildlife.