Changes at RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden
To ensure our longer-term sustainability, the RSPB has been reviewing its operations across the UK so that everything we do aligns to our charitable and strategic aims and delivers the most impact for nature possible, within the resource we have.
Published: Autumn 2025
Topic: Flatford Wildlife Garden
We appreciate that visitors and supporters of Flatford Wildlife Garden are keen to receive an update on its future, since we announced our intention to review options for the future of the reserve in late 2024.
As you know, the RSPB reviewed its operations across the UK so that everything we do aligns to our charitable and strategic aims and delivers the most impact for nature possible, with the resource we have. We must focus on what we do best and where we can do this most effectively, with the resources available to us.
Following the challenges of the global and domestic financial pressures of the past few years, we looked at all our nature reserves, including Flatford Wildlife Garden, for improvements and efficiencies – from how we do our work to where we buy the things we need to do it. This included a review of the retail, cafe and visitor experience offer on our nature reserves.
Flatford Wildlife Garden was one of a small number of sites across the UK where the review concluded that our visitor facilities will potentially change in management or close.
As a result, we have been working hard throughout this year to carry out a comprehensive assessment of options for the long-term future of Flatford Wildlife Garden, to ensure all organisational and legal duties are followed appropriately.
We recognise that Flatford Wildlife Garden has a special place in the hearts of many and this review is not one we have undertaken lightly. It has taken almost a year and during that time the operation of Flatford Wildlife Garden has continued as previously. We are extremely grateful for the hard work and commitment shown by the staff and volunteers at Flatford and their dedication in keeping Flatford running smoothly during this period, as well for the support shown by our members and visitors, throughout this time.
What’s happening now?
We are planning to offer the future management of the site to third parties, either by purchase of the freehold or under a leasehold arrangement.
This will be conducted through a tender process anticipated to begin in late 2025, following a period of sharing our proposed approach with key stakeholders. The tender process should be concluded in early 2026, but this will depend upon the interest received and any queries arising.
Once the outcomes of the tender process are confirmed, we will be able to give further updates about the operation of Flatford Wildlife Garden in 2026 and beyond. In the meantime, we will be closing for the winter season as usual, on Saturday 1 November 2025. Our programme of winter events will be going ahead as normal and we look forward to welcoming you, find out more here.
We’d like to thank you for your continued interest and support of Flatford Wildlife Garden.