A North East community has rallied behind a campaign to protect a treasured estate for wildlife, with businesses and residents helping to raise funds for an ambitious conservation project.
People and businesses in Heaton, Newcastle, are supporting Northumberland Wildlife Trust and The Wildlife Trusts in their bid to purchase the Rothbury Estate in Northumberland.
Jess Mills, co-founder of Curvy Sounds, said: "The Rothbury Estate is a special place to Andrew and me, and to many people across the North East.
Kate Dickinson and Jess Mills hiking round Simonside as part of their fundraiser
(Image: Supplied)
"Every day I walk through Jesmond Dene and thank Lord Armstrong for creating such an amazing park that provides a home for wildlife and has brought pleasure to generations of people.
"This is our chance to do the same and help The Wildlife Trusts and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, in whatever way we can, to purchase the Rothbury Estate and preserve this incredible area for both wildlife and people."
Earlier this year, independent musical instrument shop Curvy Sounds launched a raffle featuring a bespoke Tokai Les Paul guitar, valued at £1,000.
Andrew Mills bedazzling a guitar which is going up for auction.
(Image: Supplied)
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A second guitar, also valued at more than £1,000, was donated by local singer-songwriter Nev Clay.
Before opening Curvy Sounds, Andrew and Jess Mills worked as conservation artists and have long held a deep affection for Northumberland’s countryside.
A group of fundraisers
(Image: Supplied)
The couple have fond memories of spending time on the Rothbury Estate and in the surrounding areas, from picking bilberries and camping at Druridge Bay to kayaking on the River Coquet during the pandemic.
Their involvement has inspired a wave of support from other businesses and individuals.
A growing number of raffle prizes have been donated by local businesses, including The Last Resort, The Tipsy Toad, The Dog Grocers, Body Image Fitness, The Artichoke Gift Shop, The Butterfly Cabinet, Smoke and Sear, The Handsome Sandwich, The Barn Door, 10ten, Querido, and Davidson Optometrists.
A guitar featuring a custom design by co-founder Andrew Mills, inspired by natural patterns such as sunflower centres and shoals of fish
(Image: Supplied)
Newcastle indie band Maxïmo Park has also contributed signed merchandise.
The raffle will be drawn at the end of September, with tickets available at www.justgiving.com/page/curvysounds-katedickinson.
Kate Dickinson, an artist and professional gardener, joined Jess Mills at a fundraising stall at the Ouseburn Festival on July 4.
They sold artwork, plants, and fair-trade musical instruments to raise funds for the campaign.
Andrew Mills bedazzling a guitar which is going up for auction.
(Image: Supplied)
Later in the month, they completed a six-hour sponsored walk in the Simonside Hills.
Mike Pratt, chief executive of Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: "What a fantastic offer from Curvy Sounds and Nev.
"Two amazing guitars to help raise money for Rothbury – maybe we should call it The Rockbury Estate.
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"The generosity of everybody in Heaton shows again just how much everyone cares about making this happen for nature and people – a ‘Wild Thing’ part of a Northumberland’s future."
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is the largest environmental charity in the region.
It manages more than 70 nature reserves across Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland, and is supported by more than 12,000 individual members and 40 corporate partners.
Kate Dickinson and Jess Mills hiking round Simonside as part of their fundraiser
(Image: Supplied)