Update on RSPB Fairhaven Lake

Published: 29 May 2025
Topic: Fairhaven Lake

Following the announcement in November 2024 about the closure of the RSPB Fairhaven Lake visitor centre and shop, we have continued to work closely with our Fylde Borough Council partners and have mutually agreed that we will close our doors to the public for the final time at 5pm on 30 June 2025. This includes closure of the RSPB run visitor centre, retail facility and education delivery to schools.

Since 1997 RSPB Fairhaven Lake visitor centre has been at the forefront of connecting the local community to the wildlife and wonders of the Ribble Estuary. We have delivered inspirational nature-based experiences to countless children and adults throughout the generations – many of whom have taken that connection with nature onwards through their lives. This will be the long-term legacy of the RSPB’s work at Fairhaven Lake. 

The RSPB visitor centre has been a place of learning and discovery. Whether exploring Fairhaven Lake or discovering the wonders of the Ribble Estuary, taking part in our educational programs or visitor and family events or simply browsing our shop, your support has been highly valued. The building is owned by Fylde Borough Council and will be returned to them at the end of July when we have removed our remaining shop stock and equipment. The RSPB online shop is available to any customers wishing to continue purchasing RSPB products once the centre has closed. 

Robin Horner, RSPB Area Manager said; “The decision to close the RSPB Fairhaven Lake visitor centre was not one the RSPB took lightly, and we know and recognise it rightly has a special place in the hearts of many in the local community. We are incredibly proud of all the work delivered by staff and volunteers here over the years, welcoming school groups and visitors from far and wide and sharing knowledge of the vital importance of the Ribble Estuary and its wildlife. But as a charity, it is essential that we generate income to fund our work and we are no longer able to continue running the RSPB operation at Fairhaven Lake at a loss and at the expense of our other important work, especially at a time when nature and climate are in crisis.” 

The decision to end the RSPB operation at Fairhaven Lake came following a thorough review of all our operations across the UK to ensure our longer-term focus is sustainable and best aligned to our charitable and strategic aims, maximising our impact for nature with the resources we have. 

We are aware that school groups have valued their visits to Fairhaven Lake, and we have had discussions with the Council team which owns and runs the building about facilitating visits this coming year. If you would like to discuss what they are able to offer, then please contact them on fairhavenbookings@fylde.gov.uk.   

The RSPB is now developing a new education offer that will be available at a range of our reserves later this year. In the meantime, we continue working to help inspire the next generation to enjoy and connect with nature through activities such as our Schools Wild Challenge and Big Schools’ Birdwatch – which a record number of schools participated in this year - and by offering resources for teachers on our website.  Find out more about our education programmes and resources at Education and inspiring the next generation.

Robin added: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to Fylde Borough Council, our many visitors and loyal customers and our wonderful team of staff and volunteers both past and present for their continued dedication and support over the years. Whilst it has been a difficult decision which is tinged with sadness, we hope the memories and nature connections made will live on.” 

Cllr Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture said; “We are grateful to the RSPB for their many years of dedication at Fairhaven Lake, and while it’s sad to see them go, we’re pleased to confirm our intention to take on the running of the building in-house as a visitor centre. Our aim is to continue as much of the RSPB’s valued work as possible and ensure the space remains a welcoming and informative destination for residents and visitors alike.” 

Whilst our presence at Fairhaven Lake is coming to an end, our wider conservation work on the Ribble Estuary remains our focus. Our team continues to manage Marshside and Hesketh out Marsh nature reserves, and we are still very much active in the wider Ribble Estuary National Nature Reserve in partnership with Natural England and other environmental organisations. The Ribble Estuary is one of the most important places for wading birds and wildfowl, supporting up to a quarter of a million birds in the winter, as well as significant numbers of breeding birds in the spring and summer.   

To visit an RSPB nature reserve in the area please see RSPB Marshside in Southport or RSPB Leighton Moss in Silverdale.  

Thank you to everyone who has visited and supported us over the years. While the centre may be closing, we hope the memories and nature connections will live on. To read the original statement from November 2024, click here.

With sincere appreciation,  

Robin Horner and the team on the Ribble Estuary.