Avian flu and costs among reasons for loss of captive birds at Castle Espie
Difficulties in transporting animals since Brexit has contributed to the decline in the number of captive birds.
By BBC News
Castle Espie to lose captive birds amid avian flu and Brexit transport difficulties
Castle Espie in County Down is to lose its remaining captive birds as avian flu, rising costs and post-Brexit transport difficulties affect the wildlife centre.
The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), which runs Castle Espie, said the site’s captive bird collection had fallen from around 500 birds to fewer than 100.
Alex Lane, WWT’s director of operations, said avian influenza and restrictions on moving birds since Brexit had contributed to the decline.
“There is no coordinated system for bringing birds into Ireland from the mainland UK,” she said.
The remaining captive birds are due to be moved to other WWT sites across the UK from November. The organisation said the decision formed part of wider cost-cutting measures and was not taken lightly.
Moving captive birds from Great Britain to Northern Ireland requires an export health certificate and checks when the animals arrive, according to UK Government requirements. The post-Brexit arrangements have also increased administrative and logistical costs, WWT said.
Castle Espie’s guided school tours will also end as part of the changes. The centre will continue to accept self-guided school visits.
The site is in County Down, Northern Ireland, and is operated by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.