Heaton Community Strikes a Chord for Conservation in Bid to Secure Rothbury Estate
The vibrant Newcastle suburb of Heaton is transforming into a hub of environmental activism, as local businesses and musicians unite to help the Northumberland Wildlife Trust purchase the iconic Rothbury Estate.
The fundraising campaign has taken on a rhythmic flair, with the local music scene stepping up to support the cause. In a nod to the area’s rich musical heritage—famously home to guitar legend Jimi Hendrix during his 1966 stay on Second Avenue—independent instrument retailer Curvy Sounds has launched a high-profile raffle to bolster the Northumberland Wildlife Trust in its mission to secure the land for future generations.
A Masterpiece for Nature
At the heart of the raffle is a bespoke Tokai Les Paul guitar, meticulously customized by Curvy Sounds founder Andrew Mills. The instrument, valued at approximately £1,000, features a mesmerizing design of iridescent pearl ovals. According to the creators, the pattern is inspired by “naturally occurring forms found in the center of sunflowers, the movement of shoals of fish, and the arrangement of flower petals.”
The momentum has continued to build with a second high-value guitar donation from local singer-songwriter Nev Clay, adding even more incentive for supporters to contribute.
From Conservation Artists to Community Champions
For Andrew and his wife and business partner, Jess Mills, this campaign is deeply personal. Before opening their shop on Heaton Hall Road, the couple worked as conservation artists, nurturing a lifelong passion for the region’s landscape.
“The Rothbury Estate is a special place to Andrew and me, and to many people across the North East,” says Jess. “Every day I walk through Jesmond Dene and thank Lord Armstrong for creating such an amazing park… This is our chance to do the same and preserve this incredible area for both wildlife and people.”
The couple, who hold fond memories of camping at Druridge Bay and kayaking the River Coquet, have galvanized the local business community. A host of Heaton favorites—including The Tipsy Toad, The Butterfly Cabinet, and Davidson Optometrists—have donated prizes, while internationally acclaimed indie band Maxïmo Park has contributed signed merchandise to the cause.
A Collective Effort
The fundraising effort has spanned several months and various creative initiatives. In July, a stall at the Ouseburn Festival saw the sale of local artwork and fairtrade instruments, followed by a grueling six-hour fundraising trek across the scenic Simonside Hills.
Mike Pratt, Chief Executive of the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, expressed his gratitude for the community’s ingenuity. “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,” he joked. “The generosity of everybody in Heaton shows again just how much everyone cares about making this happen for nature and people.”
Get Involved
As the raffle reaches its climax at the end of September, the campaign serves as a powerful reminder of how grassroots action can protect the natural world. By bridging the gap between urban creativity and rural conservation, the people of Heaton are helping to turn a vision of protected wilderness into a reality.
Supporters can purchase raffle tickets via the official JustGiving page and learn more about the broader project to preserve the Rothbury Estate on the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website.
