Martin Mere Wetland Centre


In Brief.

The Martin Mere Wetland Centre occupies a substantial rural site in Lancashire, to the East of Southport, run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. This site includes a relatively managed area that hosts the cafe, visitor centre and its own collection of birds (and otters) from around the globe. The bulk of the area, however, consists of habitats for wild birds, including the mere itself and a reedbed, which can be visited from a network of paths and observed in several hides.

A Coscoroba swan on an impressive nest.

What's Here?

The area occupied by the wetland centre has had a complicated history, having once been a large lake that was drained for farmland, and which has more recently been converted into habitats for wildfowl. Thus, like various Royal Society for the Protection of Birds sites, such as St Aidans, the landscape looks like it could be natural, but in fact is carefully managed. 

The Mere from Discovery Hide

As many of the residents migrate, there are different birds to be seen at different times of year, thus encouraging return visits. Tours are available most days, and are included in the entry charge, and I recommend joining one for insights on the history and management of the site, as well as for help identifying some of the wildlife!  On my visit, the tour visited several of the hides around the mere and the more managed area that is more like a zoo with a focus on wildfowl.  

Harrier Hide, which overlooks the seedbeds

Even if you don't take a tour, more managed area includes signs to introduce the birds, there are paths for longer walks around the site, and there are additional activities such as guides in the hides and canoe safaris.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 38 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Price: $$

Parking: There is free parking at the site.

Food and Drink: There is a large cafe, including outdoor views over the mere.

Retail therapy: There is a substantial gift shop with toys/games, nature books, binoculars and local foodstuffs.

Child Friendly: The site has lots of child focused activities and there is an adventure play area.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 3 hours. The tour is scheduled for 90 minutes (though the one I was on was quite a bit longer).

Inside-Outside: 10:90

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