Wildfowl and Wetland Trust to close popular Caerlaverock site until spring 2026

A wetland nature reserve near Dumfries has announced that it will be temporarily shut until next spring.

The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust (WWT) Caerlaverock site said it has made the “difficult decision” to close for the next few months.

Caerlaverock Wetland Centre is a 1,400-acre wild reserve situated on the north Solway coast. It is famous for its vast flocks of overwintering water birds, including around 40,000 barnacle geese from Arctic Svalbard, as well as large numbers of pink-footed geese and whooper swans.

It is especially popular with bird watchers during the winter months.

In November, visitors saw some disruptions as the Caerlaverock centre began to make changes to the way it operated.

Since then, the Caerlaverock Trust has stated that while a lot of work has taken place, more needs to be done.

“We’ve tried our best to remain open and offer you the very best experience during this time, but the reality is, we haven’t been able to fulfil that,” the centre said.

“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.

“We can’t wait to open our doors again and share the superpowers of wetlands with you all.”

The Trust confirmed that the visitor centre will remain open, but said it will look a bit different.

Future visitors will still be able to find information about the reserve and use the centre for shelter and to eat their own food, but the café and shop will no longer be open.

The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust it will be spending the next few months recruiting a new reserve team, doing work to the reserve, making improvements, and carrying out annual maintenance.

The last day of opening will be Saturday, December 20, and it is expected to reopen in spring 2026.