Future of nature reserve thrown into doubt

22 October 2025

George KingSuffolk

The RSPB garden has trails and the visitor hut provides activities for children

Contributed A small boy sits on decking next to a small pond. There is a bench behind the pond and part of a visitor centre. A path and trees are in the background. — The RSPB garden has trails and the visitor hut provides activities for children

A nature reserve could be closed down for good if an interested party is not found to take it over.

The RSPB said it was looking to either sell Flatford Wildlife Garden in Suffolk or lease the land to a third party.

It came after the charity said it faced financial pressures and had reviewed some of its sites in the UK and a spokesperson said a tendering process for the garden in East Bergholt was anticipated to start in late 2025.

"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," they added.

"In the meantime, we will continue to operate as normal, and we expect our winter season events will go ahead as they have done in recent years."

A display board highlights that the garden was given to the RSPB as a gift from two local sisters

Contributed A black and white image of two women, one holding a dog, the other holding a badger, within a frame on the exterior of a black, wooden-clad building. The is a small information sign next to the picture. — A display board highlights that the garden was given to the RSPB as a gift from two local sisters

Two sisters —Sylvia and Margaret Richardson — ran a tea garden at the site and gave the land to the wildlife charity.

A picture of them on the site's visitor centre says they lived "a Bohemian life in a converted tram and gypsy caravan" and "bequeathed this land to the RSPB, to use for the benefit of the wildlife that they loved".

The family-friendly site boasts an abundance of wildlife and birds, a trail with carved wooden garden creatures, a pond, insect and bee "hotel", a living willow tunnel, and activity days and talks for children and adults.

It has been a go-to destination for nature lovers since opening back in 2011, but over the last 12 months, it has been subject to a review – along with other RSPB sites.

Everything from its retail offerings to the overall experience it provided visitors was taken into consideration, the charity said.

The RSPB previously said that "global and domestic financial pressures" were having an impact on the charity

Contributed 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. — The RSPB previously said that "global and domestic financial pressures" were having an impact on the charity

The tender process was expected to finish in early 2026, but would "depend upon the interest received and any queries arising", the RSPB added.

"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," its spokesperson said.

"We are extremely grateful for the hard work and commitment shown by the staff and volunteers and their dedication in keeping Flatford running smoothly during this period, as well as the support shown by our members and visitors, throughout this time."

RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden is next to the River Stour and a National Trust site in the heart of Constable Country

RSPB A section of garden showing purple, green and yellow plants in front of trees. — RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden is next to the River Stour and a National Trust site in the heart of Constable Country

If the RSPB was unsuccessful in selling the site or finding a third party, such as another nature conservation organisation, to take it over, it was understood that it could close altogether, resulting in job losses.

Nigel Roberts, vice-chairman of East Bergholt Parish Council, hoped that if it was taken over, nature and wildlife would continue to be at its core.

"It is a sensitive and important site and one would expect it to be continued in a similar vein because the RSPB has done very well with the facilities to date," he said.

"It would be absolutely sad if it disappeared, but hopefully someone will come forward."

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