A “loss-making” shop at a popular nature reserve is to close as a charity can no longer afford to run it.

RSPB Dungeness on Romney Marsh is a favourite among birdwatchers and is one of the charity’s longest-running reserves.

But bosses say they have made the decision after reviewing their operations across the UK “to ensure longer-term sustainability”.

While the shop will close early in the new year, the visitor centre will remain open, and the reserve itself will continue to operate as a “vital space for wildlife and people to connect with nature”.

In a statement, the RSPB said: “As a charity, it is essential that we generate income to fund our work.

“We cannot afford to subsidise loss-making facilities at the expense of our important charitable and strategic aims, especially at a time when nature and climate are in crisis.

“This means that we will be closing the site shop at Dungeness early in the new year.

“There may also be some changes to the visitor centre and shop opening times in the coming weeks.”

The charity says it will be consulting visitors in the coming weeks about how best to use the space.

“This is and will continue to be a great place for wildlife and people, and core to the RSPB’s work to restore nature in the UK,” it added.

Earlier this year, Kent Wildlife Trust 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.