That's it folks - nice to have known you! RSPB signs off on its much-cherished Rye Meads reserve

                                                     

What future the reserve's Kingfishers when the RSPB pulls out?

THE RSPB has today signed off on imminent withdrawal from its Rye Meads nature reserve in Hertfordshire.

The  message it has today posted on social media is sure to irritate many of its members.

It states : "As many of you will know, the RSPB will be withdrawing from Rye Meads in November, with management of the reserve returning to Thames Water.

" The reserve remains open as normal until Sunday 1 November, and we encourage you to continue enjoying this wonderful place for nature."

It continues: "We should like to thank everyone who has followed, supported and engaged with our Facebook  page over the years plus as our staff and volunteers who have made Rye Meads so special. 

"Your passion for Rye Meads and its wildlife has helped make this such a special community."

The statement has not gone down well with Rye Meads regulars with one responding that the RSPB's ‘cavalier attitude’ had prompted him to cancel his membership. 

The Wryneck says: In today's statement, the RSPB describes Rye Meads as both 'wonderful' and 'special. Why then is it forfeiting management of the site to a company whose commitment to appropriate levels of management seems uncertain at best? The society is not an under-resourced charity. It has ample means to retain this important and prestigious reserve in its portfolio. It is not too late to change its decision - and that is what it should do.