Skip to content

RSPB ponders future of Constable Country garden

Andrew Woodger/BBC A red gravel path leading to a black wooden building with a blue sign on its front reading: "RSPB". There are numerous plants on either side of the gravel path. Andrew Woodger/BBC
The RSPB says "global and domestic financial pressures" are having an impact on the charity

A question mark has been placed over the future of a wildlife garden run by a bird and conservation charity.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) said it would "be reviewing options" over the future of Flatford Wildlife Garden in East Bergholt, Suffolk, which was the birthplace of painter John Constable.

The charity said "global and domestic financial pressures" were having an impact and its "nature reserve operations" were being reviewed.

The RSPB said there would not be any immediate changes and the site would be open to visitors as usual between April to October.

Financial pressure

"Our most recent challenge has been the global and domestic financial pressures of the past two years which have had an ongoing impact; not only on our finances, but also on the finances of our partners, members, and supporters, who are so crucial to helping us save nature," said the RSPB.

"As part of this, we looked at our nature reserve operations across the UK, including RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden and going forward we will be reviewing options for the future of the reserve during 2025, including potential change of management.

"We know Flatford Wildlife Garden has a special place in the hearts of many, and this review is not one we have undertaken lightly."

RSPB A section of garden showing purple, green and yellow plants in front of trees.RSPB
The RSPB is reviewing options for the future of Flatford Wildlife Garden

"There are many different options for the future of Flatford Wildlife Garden, and arriving at these solutions will be a complex process that won’t happen overnight," added the RSPB.

"In the coming months we will be looking closely at the long-term management of the site and will bring together a team of RSPB staff to look in detail at the options, carefully considering the qualities, challenges, and opportunities before reaching any final decisions.

"We are committed to an outcome that continues to conserve the land for nature."

On its website, the RSPB said a "very small number of facilities" were planned for closure or potential change of management.

  • Loch Garten Nature Reserve, Abernethy - retail facility
  • RSPB Newport Wetlands, Newport - retail facility
  • RSPB Dungeness, Kent - retail facility
  • Flatford Wildlife Garden, Suffolk - reviewing options for the future of the reserve during 2025, including potential change of management
  • RSPB Rye Meads, Hertfordshire - reviewing options for the future of the reserve during 2025, including potential change of management
  • RSPB Fairhaven Lake Visitor Centre, Lancashire - retail facility and visitor centre
  • Rainham Marshes in Essex - retail facility and cafe. The future management of the visitor centre will be explored over the next 12 months. The nature reserve will remain open.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story