Home / Environment / Wildlife Centers Face Closures for Makeover
Wildlife Centers Face Closures for Makeover
13 Sep
Summary
- Two wildlife visitor centers will close for renovations.
- One center will reopen as an education-focused space.
- Changes aim to reach more community members and inspire nature love.
Two wildlife visitor centres operated by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire are set to close for significant changes. The Nene Wetlands Visitor Centre, located at the Rushden Lakes shopping centre, will close at the end of September 2026 and is slated to reopen in December 2026 with enhanced classroom facilities and exhibits designed for a more engaging visitor experience.
The centre at Summer Leys nature reserve will cease operations from the beginning of November 2026. It is scheduled to reopen in Spring 2027, transitioning into a dedicated education space. This new function will focus on organized events, meaning it will no longer offer daily refreshments. These strategic adjustments are being made by the trust to refocus its resources effectively.
Nicole Schreiner, the Trust's communities and education manager, highlighted the goal to "reach more of the community" and "inspire people young and old to love nature." She emphasized that introducing more people, especially young individuals, to wildlife is crucial for the future conservation of species. While acknowledging the sadness of the Summer Leys closure, she expressed gratitude to all who have utilized the centre over the years.
