A “loss-making” shop at a popular nature reserve will close next week as the charity can no longer afford to operate it.
RSPB Dungeness on Romney Marsh is a favourite among birdwatchers and is one of the charity’s longest-running reserves.
But bosses say they have made the decision to close the gift shop after reviewing their operations across the UK “to ensure longer-term sustainability”.
While the shop will close, the visitor centre will remain open, and the reserve itself will continue to operate as a “vital space for wildlife and people to connect with nature”.
In an announcement in November, the RSPB said: “As a charity, it is essential that we generate income to fund our work.
“We cannot afford to subsidise loss-making facilities at the expense of our important charitable and strategic aims, especially at a time when nature and climate are in crisis.”
The charity also said it would consult visitors on how best to use the space. It’s currently unknown whether any decisions have been made following this.
“This is and will continue to be a great place for wildlife and people, and core to the RSPB’s work to restore nature in the UK,” the statement added.
The shop will close on Sunday, January 12.
Last year, another charity Kent Wildlife Trust made the “difficult decision” to terminate its lease at Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, in New Romney.
It handed the keys to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) in July, which, as owner, has taken on the responsibility for the site.
The neighbouring 27-acre Romney Warren nature reserve remains open and is managed by the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership.
