A major conservation charity has restructured operations at one of its visitor attractions as part of planned changes for each of its sites to safeguard their long-term future.
The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, which operates 10 wetland sites across the UK, has announced changes to its Castle Espie site in Northern Ireland following a consultation.
The charity said it would close its formal education offer and no longer offer guided or formal school visits to the site, although self-guided school visits would remain available.
The charity also confirmed it would dismantle its aviaries and exhibits and transfer its collection of about 60 captive birds to other WWT sites in England and Wales.
A spokesperson for the WWT said competition for vital funding had become “increasingly fierce”, while prices for goods and services continued to increase.
“We have so much more to do to restore and protect our wetlands and the amazing wildlife that live within them,” the spokesperson said.
“That’s why we’re putting our focus, right now, on making sure the charity is financially sustainable.”
The WWT recorded an income of £46.8m and costs of £32.1m according to its latest accounts for the year to the end of March 2025, and employed 443 members of staff.
The charity declined to comment on job losses at its Castle Espie site when asked by Third Sector.
“We know change is difficult, and we appreciate every single one of our supporters, visitors and members who spend their money and time with us at WWT Castle Espie,” the spokesperson said.
“Their support is invaluable and we can’t thank them enough for their patience and understanding while we make these changes, to positively refocus our incredible Northern Irish wetland stronghold so it thrives long into the future.”