WWT Caerlaverock is changing

WWT Caerlaverock is temporarily closed from 21 December.

Earlier in November, we let you know that we would be making some changes to how we operate at WWT Caerlaverock, to make sure the site thrives in the future.

Since then, lots of work has taken place at the site, to prepare for these changes. And we still have some more work to do.

We recognise that during this period of change, there has been some disruption to your experiences with us. 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.

As well as making physical changes to our main entrance, many of you will be aware that we’re restructuring the team at WWT Caerlaverock. We are moving from people working in our shop and cafe, to a team focussed on developing the reserve so it’s the best it can be for wildlife and people in the future. In the short term, this means we don’t have the number of people needed to make sure we can offer visitors the experience that they expect.

So, we’ve made the difficult decision to close temporarily for the next few months. Our last day of opening will be Saturday 20 December, reopening in spring 2026.

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.

We can’t wait to open our doors again and share the superpowers of wetlands with you all. For now, use this page to stay up to date with changes and our future plans for WWT Caerlaverock.

Your questions answered

Jump to questions about: Essential information for visitorsWhat’s next for WWT CaerlaverockInformation for members

Essential information for visitors

What days and time is WWT Caerlaverock open?

From Sunday 21 December, WWT Caerlaverock is temporarily closed. We plan to reopen in spring 2026.

What will it cost to enter WWT Caerlaverock when it reopens?

Our admission prices remain the same. For full details or to buy a ticket online visit.

Please note, there will be no cash accepted at the admissions desk, so visitors paying on the day will need to pay for their tickets by card.

Will there still be a visitor centre?

Yes, the visitor centre will still be open, but it looks a bit different. You’ll still enter the wetland reserve through the visitor centre, where there will be an admissions desk for members and paying visitors. You’ll also be able to find out information about the reserve and your visit, as well as use the centre to shelter and eat your own food. However, our cafe and shop is no longer open.

What’s next for WWT Caerlaverock

Why are you closing so soon after announcing changes to the site?

We recognise that since we announced changes to WWT Caerlaverock, there has been some disruption to your experiences with us. 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.

We understand – and share – the disappointment that this will cause you. And we’re 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.

What is happening at the site while you’re closed?

Even though we’re closing to visitors temporarily, from Sunday 21 December, we’ll be spending the next few months; recruiting a new reserve team, doing work to the reserve, making improvements and carrying out annual maintenance.

When will you tell us the reopening date?

We’ll share details about the date we plan to reopen via email, a little later in the New Year.

Will there be further changes to Caerlaverock?

We are planning to return to seven day a week opening in the spring, but exact details and timing of this will be confirmed nearer the time. Many of our wetland reserves have different opening hours during the summer and the winter, so please do check our website before you visit in the future to avoid any disappointment.

Are you doing anything to improve the experience for visitors?

Over the last 18 months, we have created lots of new wetlands close to the Glengoyne and Avenue tower hides that are proving popular with wildfowl and waders, bringing flocks of birds closer to our visitors. The interior of our Glengoyne hide has also had an artist’s makeover and new, quieter and more comfortable seating, inviting our visitors to linger that little bit longer as they enjoy the view.

Is there a chance WWT Caerlaverock will close permanently?

No. WWT Caerlaverock will remain one of WWT’s wetland reserves. Members and supporters will still be able to visit and experience its incredible wildlife spectacles throughout the year and, by closing some of the facilities we currently offer, we will be able to focus our investment and efforts on making sure WWT Caerlaverock is the best wetland it can be for the benefit of wildlife and people into the future.

Information for members

What does all this mean for my membership?

As a charity, we can’t do our work without the incredible support of our members and supporters, and we want to thank every single person who visits our sites, engages with our work and is helping us create a movement to protect our superpowered wetlands for generations to come.

Your membership still allows you free access to WWT Caerlaverock when it’s open and our other nine wetland sites across the UK. You will also continue to receive invites to exclusive online events with our wetland experts and member newsletters direct to your inbox, providing you with all the latest wetland news.

As a valued member, your support is more important than ever during this difficult period, however, if you would like to discuss options for your membership please contact our supporter services team on: 01453 891198 or supporter@wwt.org.uk

Why did you freeze membership prices last year if you're now having to respond to financial challenges?

We have to carefully balance the cost-of-living challenges that we face as an organisation, with those that our members and visitors face. We’ve listened to our members and frozen membership prices to ensure more people can afford to join and stay with us as members during this difficult economic climate.

What more can I do to support WWT Caerlaverock?

From volunteering and donating, to sharing our story and visiting our sites, there are many ways that you can support our work that we do to restore wetlands and unlock their powers.

We are extremely grateful for all donations from members and supporters, which will help us carry out vital reserve management while we’re temporarily closed.

Visit our donation page to find out the impact your donation could have.