WWT Martin Mere announces its first ever 'Goosefest'

WWT Martin Mere Announces its first ever ‘Goosefest’, celebrating the arrival of thousands of pink-footed geese this autumn

Running 5 Sept - 18 Oct

This autumn, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Lancashire, invites visitors from across the North West to witness one of the UK’s most breathtaking spectacles as the brand-new ‘Goosefest’ runs from 5 September to 18 October 2026.

Marking the seasonal arrival of tens of thousands of pink-footed geese migrating from Iceland and Greenland, Goosefest offers a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary wildlife up close with a month-long line-up of events and activities.

At peak times, visitors may witness flocks of up to 40,000 geese filling the skies in a truly unforgettable display.

Goosefest 2026 features an exciting programme of activities and events designed for all ages and interests. Visitors can enjoy experiences ranging from tranquil dawn viewings to hands-on workshops and family-friendly trails.

Highlights include:

• The big goose trail (5 September - 1 November): A fun, interactive family trail, featuring creatively designed geese by local schoolchildren.
• How to count geese workshop (set dates throughout): Ever wondered how wardens count tens of thousands of geese? Learn fascinating techniques at these workshops.
• Daily wild bird feeds (from 17 October - Mid March): Get closer than ever to migratory species at the Discovery Hide, with no binoculars required.
• North West Bird Watching Festival (17 - 18 October): A packed weekend of guest speakers, exhibitors, bird ringing demonstrations, guided walks and wildlife activities.
• Photography competition (entries close 18 October): Capture the magic of migration through your lens, with prizes up for grabs including a £100 WWT gift card.

For those looking for something extra special, Goosefest also offers a series of out-of-hours or bookable experiences:

• Late night openings (most Wednesday's & Saturday's in October): Watch as vast skeins of geese return to roost at dusk on the wetland centre’s mere.
• Dawn flights (3, 10 & 24 October): Start your day with the sight and sound of geese taking flight at sunrise, followed by a delicious breakfast.
• Art workshop (26 September): Join local wildlife artist Kerry Newell for a pastel workshop inspired by the surrounding landscape.

While the pink-footed geese take centre stage, visitors can also enjoy a rich variety of wetland wildlife throughout the season, including pintail, shelduck, shoveler, wigeon, teal and, later in the autumn, another star species, the whooper swan.

The month-long celebration will end with the centre's annual North West Bird Watching Festival on the 17 & 18 October, which features a full weekend of guest speakers such as biologist and conservationist Sacha Dench and naturalist Lucy Lapwing. Additionally, there will be a range of exhibitors and visitors can take part in nature-related activities such as Sony Alpha Wildlife Walks, bird ringing demonstrations, and guided boat tours, sponsored by Sony.

Plan Your Visit 

Goosefest runs during peak migration season, making September and October the best time to visit. Events and activities vary in price, with many included in general admission or WWT membership. Find out more via the WWT Martin Mere website.