Book publishers likely to take a hit when RSPB starts closing some of its reserve shops early next year

                                                       

BOOK publishers will soon be lamenting the RSPB's decision to start closing shops at some of its nature reserves early in the New Year.

The shops have long been an important outlet for titles about nature and  wildlife - particularly ornithology.

They are sold alongside binoculars and other optical equipment, outdoor clothing, greeting cards, nestboxes and birdfood.

The society says the initiative is prompted by financial consideration as its income struggles to keep up with costs.  

One of  the first reserve shops to close, probably in January, will be at RSPB Rainham Marsh on the outskirts of  London.

Others earmarked for January closure include

* Loch Garten Nature Reserve, Abernethy, Scotland

* RSPB Newport Wetlands, Newport, Wales 

* RSPB Dungeness, Kent, England 

* RSPB Fairhaven Lake, Lancashire, England 

Shops at what the society calls its 'flagship' reserves - such as Minsmere in Suffolk  and Titchwell in Norfolk - are likely to be spared, but there could be further closures later in 2025 and beyond.

Other RSPB reserves where there are 'at risk' shops include:

* Bempton Cliffs

* Conwy

* Fairburn Ings

* Lake Vyrnwy

* Leighton Moss

* Loch Leven

* Lochwinnoch

* Old Moor

* Pulborough Brooks

* Saltholme

* South Stack Cliffs 

* The Lodge

Says a spokesperson: "The economy has not been in the best of shape in recent years. 

"Every one of us is feeling the cost-of-living crisis and inflationary pressure, and many people are having to make difficult decisions in their day-to-day lives to make ends meet.

"This situation also impacts the RSPB, and indeed many in our sector, in several ways, including increasing cost pressures as suppliers put up prices and rising energy costs across our large estate. 

"Our income is growing but not fast enough to keep up with rising costs. 

"We have therefore been looking at our reserve networks a to make sure that what we are doing in these places makes sense financially."

                                      

What a great selection - above and below the titles on sale (but not for much longer) at the Abernethy reserve

                                            

Above and below - the shop at the RSPB's HQ at the Lodge in Sandy and some of the books currently on offer

The Wryneck says: For many visitors to its reserves, buying a book or two is as much as part of the recreational experience as  watching the birds. Properly run, the shops should not be a drain on resources but a means of generating precious income.  But they have probably never been promoted and publicised with sufficient energy and imagination. Why, for instance, could the RSPB not organise author events such as book-signing sessions? If the RSPB cannot make a go of things, it should commission another party to operate the shops on its behalf. Just to close them is like throwing in the towel without putting up a fight. Its members and supporters surely expect much better.