Calling all nature lovers - the North West Bird Watching Festival returns this October

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, based in Burscough near Southport, is inviting nature lovers to experience its annual North West Bird Watching Festival on Saturday 18 October and Sunday 19 October 2025.

This event is a highlight in Lancashire’s wildlife calendar, offering a full programme of nature-inspired experiences, including expert talks, wildlife encounters, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities suitable for all ages.

On the guest speaker list includes some of the UK’s top naturalists, photographers, conservations and authors. Visitors can look forward to engaging talks from the likes of:

• Wildlife photographers Ben Hall and Nick Wilcox-Brown, who will share their passion for capturing birds and nature through the lens.
• Conservationists and ecologists such as Alasdair McKee from RSPB, Matt Phelps from the Knepp Estate, and Martin Mere’s own Centre Manager, Nick Brooks.
• Naturalists and authors including Charlie Bingham, Conor Jameson, and Lucy Lapwing, who will explore how birds and wildlife shape our lives, our history, and the way we see the world.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see live bird ringing demonstrations, where experts will explain the importance of bird ringing in understanding species behaviours and conservation needs.

Each morning of the festival, visitors will have the chance to witness the spectacular sight of thousands of pink-footed geese departing the mere at sunrise, with early access from 8am on both days. On Saturday, the site’s reserve will remain open until 7pm, allowing for extended wildlife watching including the pink-footed geese coming back in to roost on the mere.

Alongside this, a range of exhibitors will be attending the weekend such as outdoor clothing brand Paramo, photography brand Fujifilm, optics brand Viking Optical and wildlife experience organisers such as Wild Intrigue. 

Talks are free to attend with admission (WWT members enter free), but must be booked on the day at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors can also enjoy 10% off admissions by pre-booking online via the WWT Martin Mere website.

For more information and the full speaker 

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, based in Burscough near Southport, is inviting nature lovers to experience its annual North West Bird Watching Festival on Saturday 18 October and Sunday 19 October 2025.

This event is a highlight in Lancashire’s wildlife calendar, offering a full programme of nature-inspired experiences, including expert talks, wildlife encounters, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities suitable for all ages.

On the guest speaker list includes some of the UK’s top naturalists, photographers, conservations and authors. Visitors can look forward to engaging talks from the likes of:

• Wildlife photographers Ben Hall and Nick Wilcox-Brown, who will share their passion for capturing birds and nature through the lens.
• Conservationists and ecologists such as Alasdair McKee from RSPB, Matt Phelps from the Knepp Estate, and Martin Mere’s own Centre Manager, Nick Brooks.
• Naturalists and authors including Charlie Bingham, Conor Jameson, and Lucy Lapwing, who will explore how birds and wildlife shape our lives, our history, and the way we see the world.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to see live bird ringing demonstrations, where experts will explain the importance of bird ringing in understanding species behaviours and conservation needs.

Each morning of the festival, visitors will have the chance to witness the spectacular sight of thousands of pink-footed geese departing the mere at sunrise, with early access from 8am on both days. On Saturday, the site’s reserve will remain open until 7pm, allowing for extended wildlife watching including the pink-footed geese coming back in to roost on the mere.

Alongside this, a range of exhibitors will be attending the weekend such as outdoor clothing brand Paramo, photography brand Fujifilm, optics brand Viking Optical and wildlife experience organisers such as Wild Intrigue. 

Talks are free to attend with admission (WWT members enter free), but must be booked on the day at the information desk on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visitors can also enjoy 10% off admissions by pre-booking online via the WWT Martin Mere website.

For more information and the full speaker line-up, visit the WWT Martin Mere website