The charity that runs one of Northern Ireland’s best-known wildlife reserves has announced plans to remove its remaining captive birds from Espy Castle.

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) operations director Alex Lane said bird flu, difficulties transporting birds since Brexit and wider cost-cutting measures had contributed to the decline in the number of birds kept at the site.

Espy Castle once housed around 500 birds. That number has now fallen to fewer than 100, according to Mr Lane.

Captive bird programme to close

WWT will close the site’s captive bird programme as part of broader cost-cutting measures. From November, all birds held at Castle Espy will be transferred to other WWT sites across the UK.

The charity said bird flu and the challenges of moving birds since Brexit were among the factors behind the decision.

Guided school tours also ending

The County Down centre will also stop offering guided school tours.

One councillor described the changes to education provision as “disappointing”. However, the centre said: “We will continue to welcome voluntary school visits.”

Government departments contacted

Both the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have been contacted for comment.