RSPB remains committed to pulling out of Rye Meads nature reserve and Fairhaven Lake visitor centre

Sedge warbler in song

It looks unlikely that the RSPB will be having a change of heart on proposed cost-saving cutbacks across its network of 200-plus reserves and visitor centres. It has issued these updates on its locations at Rye Meads in  Hertfordshire and Fairhaven Lake in Lancashire.

Rye Meads Nature Reserve

Following the review of our nature reserves operations, we will be exploring options for the future of RSPB Rye Meads during 2025, including potential change of management. 

We are also ceasing the existing programme of school visits and education sessions guided by RSPB learning officers (also known as the Schools on Reserves programme) with immediate effect in line with our national strategy for education.

We know and recognise that Rye Meads has a special place in the hearts of many and this is not a decision we have taken lightly. 

We are proud that the work delivered here by RSPB staff and volunteers has benefited wildlife and provided opportunities for visitors to enjoy, connect with and learn about local wildlife and the natural world. 

This will be the long-term legacy of the RSPB’s work at this site. 

Moving forward, we need to make changes to focus our resources where they can have the most impact for nature and wildlife. 

In the coming months we will be looking closely at the long-term future of the site, carefully considering its qualities, challenges and opportunities before reaching any decisions. 

In the meantime, the site will be open to visitors as usual, except for some bank holidays (please check our website and social media channels for opening days and times).

Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre

Following the review of our nature reserves operations, the difficult decision has been taken to cease RSPB operations at Fairhaven Lake.

We are also ceasing the existing programme of school visits and education sessions  guided by RSPB learning officers (also known as the Schools on Reserves programme) with immediate effect, in line with our national strategy for education.

We know that the RSPB Fairhaven Lake visitor centre has a special place in the hearts of many and this is not a decision we have taken lightly. 

We are proud that the work delivered here by RSPB staff and volunteers has benefited wildlife and provided opportunities for visitors to enjoy, connect with and learn about local wildlife and the natural world. 

This will be the long-term legacy of the RSPB’s work at this site.

Moving forward, we need to make changes to focus our finite resources where they can have the most impact for nature and wildlife.

Fairhaven Lake is owned and managed by Fylde Borough Council.

We have run the RSPB centre in partnership with the council since 1997. 

Fairhaven Lake and all of its other amenities will be unchanged and remain open for the public to continue to enjoy.

We will, however, be ending the RSPB operation of the visitor centre and shop. 

As a charity, it is essential we generate income to fund our work, especially at a time when nature and climate are in crisis.

"We can no longer afford to operate the shop at a loss. 

"The provisional plan is to close at some point in 2025." 

In the meantime, the shop and visitor centre will remain open to visitors as usual, except some bank holidays (please check our website and social media channels for opening days and times).