The future of an award-winning visitor centre which closed due to rising costs and falling visitor numbers is still unknown.

Earlier this year, Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) made the “difficult decision” to terminate its lease at Romney Marsh Visitor Centre.

It handed the keys to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) in July, which as owner, has taken on the responsibility for the site.

The 27-acre Romney Warren nature reserve, which remains open, is still being managed by the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership.

Although the buildings are currently closed, public access to the country park, off Dymchurch Road, and its trails continues with the free centre car park still in use between 9.30am and 4pm.

But FHDC says a decision on the future of the visitor centre and cafe is still being discussed, with further details on next steps expected to emerge later this year.

Cllr Jeremy Speakman (Green), cabinet member for assets and operations, said: “FHDC is committed to the future of the visitor centre and values this award-winning eco-friendly building and area as an incredibly important community and wildlife asset.

“The site has been supported by our previous tenants and volunteers so we will endeavour to ensure that their work in making sure this rich natural environment is preserved for years to come is continued.”

The centre was the first attraction in Kent to win a gold award in the Green Tourism business scheme.

KWT’s chief operating officer, Ben Dart, previously said of the closure: “While we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved at the site, which was the first recipient of the gold award in the Green Tourism business scheme, the rising costs to maintain the centre, coupled with a decline in visitor numbers mean that it is not economically viable to keep it open.”

The trust, which ran the centre for 20 years, also said it feels it can “deliver more for nature through other projects”.