Sir David Attenborough is championing a bid by conservationists to raise £30 million to secure a vast upland estate in Northumberland for nature and the nation.The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are attempting to complete the purchase of the Rothbury Estate, a 15-square-mile tract of former grouse moor, woodland, farmland, streams and rivers, with plans to boost wildlife, restore bogs and champion nature-friendly farming.With a year to go to raise the £30 million needed to sec

Sir David Attenborough is championing a bid by conservationists to raise £30 million to secure a vast upland estate in Northumberland for nature and the nation.The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are attempting to complete the purchase of the Rothbury Estate, a 15-square-mile tract of former grouse moor, woodland, farmland, streams and rivers, with plans to boost wildlife, restore bogs and champion nature-friendly farming.With a year to go to raise the £30 million needed to secure the entire estate, or risk it being broken up and sold off for uses such as commercial forestry that will not benefit nature, Sir David is urging people to back the bid.In a video supporting the appeal, the leading naturalist and TV presenter said time was running out to save the "huge, heart-shaped expanse of moorland, rivers, forest and upland in Northumberland".