WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

WWT Martin Mere is where wilderness and family-friendliness combine.

Spring and summer are fantastic times to visit the centre as new life develops allowing you to see the cute sights of ducklings, goslings, cygnets and chicks spring up around the reserve. Seasonal attractions include the award winning duckling nursery open from late May, take to the water and get a close encounter with nature on our award winning canoe safari and boat tour experience, den building, see what creatures you can find on bug hunts and pond dipping sessions every weekend.

But there is plenty to see and do at Martin Mere all year round, with more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds to hand feed, a family of beavers and enchanting otters in residence, an imaginative playground for young adventurers, an inspirational eco-garden and a rolling programme of events, walks and talks.

In autumn, up to 40,000 pink-footed geese use the reserve as a stopping point on their migration from Iceland providing a rare opportunity to see the display of thousands of geese whiffling over the mere. The geese are only with us a few weeks making this a must see attraction in October.

In winter, many thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans are drawn to the internationally-rated wetlands, offering spectacular displays of feather and flight with an award winning experience called Swan Spectacular, watching thousands of swans feed everyday.

New in 2013: WOW

A brand new ‘WOW’ development has begun at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre. ‘WOW’ is titled Weird and Wonderful and is a complete redevelopment of the Australasia area of the wildlife gardens. 

The new exhibit will transform an existing area of the grounds involving re-modeling of ponds, a new entrance, an access bridge and detailed re-landscaping of five separate exhibits.  The design incorporates a walk-in crowned crane aviary which will also feature exotic comb ducks and free flying white-faced whistling ducks.

The aim of the exhibit is to allow our visitors to engage with  weird and wonderful wetland birds and get them asking questions about what makes birds so wonderful; why is that swan black? Why does that bird have a blue bill? Why does that bird make that noise? With sound pods and signage we will answer all of these questions in a fun and interactive way.

The new exhibit will take 6 months to complete and is due to open in July for the summer holidays.  The wildlife gardens are open as normal and the pathways will remain accessible in the Australasia area.

Rushes Adventure Play Area

The Rushes is designed to reflect Martin Mere’s focus on the environment and natural play. It seeks to provide opportunities for all ages and abilities in a social, safe and clean context. Features include:

• Mini marshlands – Toddler play space
• The wetlands – water play space with dams, bridges and channels to explore
• Fly like a bird across a cableway
• Climb the giant treehouse and slide down the tunnel
• The reed bed – giant timber sculptures with nets and ropes for climbing, jumping, sliding and clambering on
• The sand flats – sand play area with playful grassy mounds and smooth boulders

Award winning Canoe Safari

This self guided canoe safari offers families and adults a safe and fun way to explore the recently created reedbed habitat and its rich biodiversity. Adults and children alike will be able to enjoy spotting some of the UK’s most threatened species ranging from water voles to reed buntings whilst having plenty of fun!

The canoes can have up to three people in them and the charge to use the safari is £5.00 per boat. The attraction will be open every day until 31 October from 10am to 3.30pm (last boat to go out).

There are no age restrictions to go on the safari although the person must be able to fit into the life jacket that will be supplied so we presuppose a minimum age of 5. Children under 18 must be accompanied in a boat with an adult.

The canoe Safari won the award for Best Visitor Experience in the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2011/12

Guided boat tours

Take a peaceful tour of our wetlands via a guided boat, learning all about Martin Mere, watching wildlife, spotting dragonflies, listening for warblers and admiring the wild flowers whilst enjoying the peace and tranquiity.

The boat tours cost £2 per seat for the 30 minute guided tour. The boats seat 8 people and can also accommodate 2 wheelchairs.

Please ask at the Information Desk on arrival to confirm the times of the tours but they generally run between 1pm and 3pm

The boat tours are located in the area by the canoe safari and you should go to that area and speak to the designated member of staff to confirm your place on the tour.