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Nature reserve takes 'difficult decision' to shut until spring

Lori CarnochanBBC Scotland News
WWT A flock of barnacle geese - black and white birds - on the Solway coastWWT
The winter months are historically a busy time with visitors coming to see thousands of barnacle geese

A nature reserve in southern Scotland has taken the "difficult decision" to close to the public until the spring.

The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) Caerlaverock site on the Solway Firth said it was not in a position to "offer visitors the experience that they expect".

The centre introduced a reduced visitor experience in early November, to make physical changes to the site, as well as begin staff restructuring.

It said it had tried its best to remain open to offer the "very best experience" but had been unable to fulfil that and had now taken the decision to close on 21 December.

David Nixon Two separate white buildings, one featuring a large bird artwork, with an access track and some grass in the foregroundDavid Nixon
The centre is due to reopen in spring next year

The WWT said the temporary closure would allow for recruitment of a new team, improvements to the reserve and general maintenance works.

The winter months are historically a busy time of the year for bird watchers to the site, who visit the centre to witness the migration of flocks of barnacle geese.

Thousands of the birds migrate from Svalbard, in the Arctic Circle, to overwinter at the reserve.

Getty A flock of barnacle geese flying above the WWT Caerlaverock nature reserveGetty
The barnacle geese attract many visitors during the winter months when the birds arrive from Svalbard

They join many other birds including whooper and mute swans.

The WWT said: ''We understand – and share – the disappointment that this will cause to everyone who spends time with us at WWT Caerlaverock.

''And we are particularly sorry to be closing at a time when we know you love to come and experience the wildlife spectacles that winter brings with it.''

The centre will shut on 21 December and although the trust has not confirmed an opening date, it has said it would reopen in spring 2026.