WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre WWT Martin Mere is a visitor centre open all year. Come and see the power of wetlands for yourself.
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WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a wetland nature reserve and visitor attraction in Burscough, Lancashire. Open 364 days a year, our family-friendly site offers visitors of all ages and abilities a host of unforgettable and accessible wildlife encounters and beautiful scenery whatever the weather. Established since 1975, every season brings a host of wild experiences from the autumn goose spectac

ular when 40,000 pink-footed geese will roost on the reserve, the winter swan spectacular when up to 2000 whooper swans will feed everyday on the mere, to the spring new life as ducklings, goslings, chicks and cygnets spring up and the summer flora, forna and insects; meaning no two visits are the same. Supported by dedicated and knowledgeable staff and enthusiastic volunteers, we are committed to offering the best possible experience for our visitors. In addition to wildlife spotting, there is a canoe safari and boat tours, pond dipping activities, den building, a selection of daily talks including an otter talk and feed, hand feeding birds from around the world in our collection and the option to lose yourself in nature on our wild walks. Everyone from bird enthusiasts and animal lovers to school groups and families looking for a wild adventure can find something to enjoy here at WWT Martin Mere – it’s the perfect place to get closer to nature!

"I've been coming to the Mere since I was in a pram (now 43) but I have NEVER seen swans the way I saw them at this even...
27/11/2025

"I've been coming to the Mere since I was in a pram (now 43) but I have NEVER seen swans the way I saw them at this event" - volunteer Rita

Our Floodlit Swan evenings will return in January 2026, making it the perfect time to treat yourself this Christmas, or treat a nature lover that you know.

This is another one of our events that usually sell out, so make sure to book now to avoid disappointment: https://ow.ly/rV7650Xu2Wf

Heather is back with more photography workshops 📷New dates are now available for 2026: 11 Jan, 12 April, 21 June, 4 OctP...
26/11/2025

Heather is back with more photography workshops 📷

New dates are now available for 2026: 11 Jan, 12 April, 21 June, 4 Oct

Perfect for beginners and those wanting to get started in wildlife photography. Find out more: https://ow.ly/5IWc50XrEvP

Record number of cattle egret on site ✨Our site has seen record numbers of cattle egret flying into roost in the grounds...
25/11/2025

Record number of cattle egret on site ✨

Our site has seen record numbers of cattle egret flying into roost in the grounds. A whopping 74 were counted by a volunteer on Wednesday last week.

And we can't mention them without saying a big thanks to our English Longhorn cattle, whose grazing helps create the perfect feeding conditions for these stunning birds.

Here are some pictures from over the year to celebrate their iconic relationship. We'll never get bored of seeing them together!

📸 by Lisa Wilkinson-Gamble

🔭 Latest Sightings 🔭It’s been another wildlife-packed weekend at Martin Mere.Following on from last week’s whopping coun...
24/11/2025

🔭 Latest Sightings 🔭

It’s been another wildlife-packed weekend at Martin Mere.

Following on from last week’s whopping count of 74 Cattle Egret, our team has been out at dusk in the Grounds to visit the roost site, which is near the Pond Zone. At least 60 of these birds were seen, along with a small number of Grey Herons.

Back on the reserve, the Ron Barker hide has been providing some good sightings. Two Great Egrets were reported on Saturday, as well as a Tawny Owl and Barn Owl. Cetti’s Warbler and Water Rail can often be heard here, and Marsh Harriers are reliably seen hunting over the wetlands.

At the Janet Kear hide, about a dozen Redpoll were photographed on Saturday, a species which isn’t often seen on site.

This hide is also great for birds like Redwing and Fieldfare, and a Great-spotted Woodpecker is often seen on the feeders or heard calling in the nearby trees. Two Treecreeper were seen here lately, which, until lately, was a scarce bird on site.

A Kingfisher has been spotted near the Gordon Taylor hide over the sluice, and up to four Water Rail have been calling here. Stonechat are often perched up on the fence, and Woodend Marsh remains reliable for Teal, Kestrel and Buzzard.

View all of our latest sightings: https://ow.ly/TJvY50XwWvT

Know a flamingo fan or someone otterly obsessed with otters?With Christmas coming up, why not treat them to one of our r...
23/11/2025

Know a flamingo fan or someone otterly obsessed with otters?

With Christmas coming up, why not treat them to one of our refreshed adoption packs? Choose from a goose, otter, swan, flamingo or duck and receive a fun-filled welcome pack and regular adopter updates.

Ask us about them on your next visit, or purchase them online. For more info including other gift options, visit our website: https://ow.ly/JhkV50Xu2Nl

22/11/2025

At least 60 cattle egrets are roosting in the trees near our Mere Side Café, along with a handful of herons.

Our team has been using a thermal camera to be able to get a closer look, and recorded this moment for you to take a look.

Optics Demonstration Day this weekend! 🦢Join Viking Optical on 23 November for the chance to speak to a representative a...
21/11/2025

Optics Demonstration Day this weekend! 🦢

Join Viking Optical on 23 November for the chance to speak to a representative and discover a range of optics.

Try out a fantastic range of products and have an expert on hand to ask any questions from 10am - 3pm.

Find out more: https://ow.ly/ctZK50XrC6n

21/11/2025

A frosty but beautiful morning at Martin Mere, and our reserve remains full of wildlife including roe deer and whooper swans ❄️

Thanks to Graham Clarkson for this footage

20/11/2025

Our cows can never eat in peace... 🐮

Our volunteer Daz Eaton filmed this moment of a cattle egret hanging around one of our cows, waiting for a tasty treat! They love to grab the insects and worms that the cows disturb with their hooves.

British Sign Language supported Sail to Santa dates 🎁One of our elves, Emma, is a BSL interpreter and will be available ...
19/11/2025

British Sign Language supported Sail to Santa dates 🎁

One of our elves, Emma, is a BSL interpreter and will be available on 6, 7, 13, 14, and 21 December.

If you or someone in your party uses BSL and will be attending one of these Sail to Santa dates, please feel free to let us know in advance so we can ensure the best possible experience. You can reach us at [email protected] or 01704 895181.

We’re very happy to support you and look forward to welcoming you to the event!

Sail to Santa bookings: https://ow.ly/P5mX50XtoAH

🔭 Latest Sightings 🔭With the weather growing colder here at Martin Mere, it’s feeling more and more like winter. That me...
18/11/2025

🔭 Latest Sightings 🔭

With the weather growing colder here at Martin Mere, it’s feeling more and more like winter. That means some exciting wildlife news!

Fieldfare and Redwing, winter thrushes from Scandinavia, have arrived on site in good numbers, and can be seen throughout the reserve, although the Janet Kear hide and the car park are reliable spots for viewing these birds. The feeders here also remain reliable for the more common ‘garden birds’, including good numbers of Great Tit and Chaffinch.

From the public footpath on Langley’s Field, a flock of several hundred finches has been feeding on seedheads. A number of Chaffinch were with these birds and at this time of year, there is always a chance of Brambling.

33 Cattle Egret were seen flying over the Mere on Saturday afternoon heading into roost, and a pair of Barn Owl were hunting over Pumphouse Field from the Ron Barker hide. A Great-spotted Woodpecker was also seen here, on the feeders.

A Water Rail was seen in the sluice near Rees Hide, from which a Green Sandpiper, a Peregrine and two Roe Deer were also seen.

Five Marsh Harriers were reported on Saturday on the outer fields of the reserve, with more being seen from hides such as Ron Barker and United Utilities. Excitingly, a Marsh Harrier with a yellow wing tag has been identified as a bird ringed in Suffolk in June this year as a chick. More interesting movement and proof that Martin Mere’s birdlife never fails to amaze!

View all latest sightings: https://ow.ly/XhV150Xtn8M

📅 November bird of the month: bar-headed goose We wonder where they get their name from?!Sporting two black bars across ...
15/11/2025

📅 November bird of the month: bar-headed goose

We wonder where they get their name from?!

Sporting two black bars across their heads, and a beautiful contracting white head, this stand-out species can be spotted in our Weird or Wonderful section.

Here you can also see some of our goslings from 2022 ♥️

Take a look at some of our favourite facts: https://ow.ly/u9sH50XrzUf

Photo credit: Lisa Wilkinson Gamble (adult goose and single gosling), Gary Gray (three goslings)

Address

Fish Lane
Ormskirk
L400TA

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4:30pm

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