THE field studies centre at Malham Tarn is to close, it has been announced.

The Field Studies Council, which has run a centre at Malham Tarn for more than 70 years, said today it had made the difficult decision to close this autumn and that despite the 'best efforts of all parties' it would be handing back the lease to the National Trust.

Ian Wainwright, the FSC’s commercial director, said: "This has not been an easy decision for the charity. We have had a very long association with this iconic location, but like all charities, we have to ensure that our finances are in good health.

"A combination of a long period of closure over the pandemic, rising costs, recruitment challenges, interruptions to the water supply and access constraints have all had an impact.

"Every effort was made to find alternative employment within the charity and that has been successful for four members of the team. Unfortunately, four members of staff will be made redundant.

"A further two employees who were on fixed term contracts will not have their contracts renewed."

He added: "We know that many staff, trustees and customers who have visited and worked at Malham over many years will be saddened by this decision, but we have to adapt to the challenges we face.

"We are in the process of contacting any organisations who have bookings at this site to offer them alternatives.

"The changes that we are making will ensure that the charity is in the best financial shape possible to meet the changing expectations and growing demands of our customers and the increasing needs of our beneficiaries in the years to come."

Earlier this year, members of staff at the centre, the former home of Victorian politician and philanthropist Walter Morrison, were told of proposals to close the residential outdoor recreation centre - visited by thousands of students and families over the years.

The National Trust has been approached for a comment.