Schools

Martin Mere Wetland Centre caters for groups of all ages, from schools, colleges, scouts, brownies, cubs, play-schemes etc.

Open all year round, WWT Martin Mere offers pupils:

hands-on learning experiences led by experienced Teacher Explainers
a safe environment in which to explore the wealth of Lancashire's wildlife

Teachers can:

book engaging learning sessions linked to the National Curriculum and other syllabuses
plan more easily by downloading a pre-prepared Risk Assessment and come in for a free preliminary visit
choose from our new and varied learning programmes or a request tailor-made session
make use of extensive downloadable learning resources
pre-order souvenirs from the gift shop to avoid queues on the day
rely on excellent on-site facilities including bag storage, picnic tables and covered lunch areas

Please see the download section below for forms

Prices in 2010

Child £5.20 each (16 and under)
Youth £6.85 (17 and over)
Adult £7.55 each
BUT: one adult free per five infants: one free per ten juniors and older.

News

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre has been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge, recognising it as a provider of quality, safely managed educational experiences for young people.

What's new

New 'Cycle' Programme: Key Stage 2

Preston North End logo We are all part of a world where materials are continuously recycled, such as water and soil nutrients. Life itself also goes in cycles.

First we see how the Water Cycle works by making the children evaporate, rain, and flow back into the sea, but then comes the pollution from the town in the valley. We see how the pollution build up in the sea but we end on a positive note with lifestyle solutions on offer. (15 minutes)

Secondly we visit the great ant city of Antopolis, where each child takes part in the life cycle of an ant, from egg to grub to cocoon to worker. They meet the Queen, visit the Departmant of Employmant for jobs (ants are always busy) and communicate with their antennae. The workers look after the baby ants, who eventually become workers themselves. (45 minutes)

Lastly we sit down under a great tree to see a performance of the Soil Play, with full audience participation. We see how nature’s nutrients are recycled every year so that new plants can grow (30 minutes)

This programme is in partnership with the Preston North End Football Club recycle roadshow

Acres of Art

By popular request, we have arranged a programme which develops the creativity of your children. Using their senses and first-hand observations of the wonderful wetland landscape and creatures, your class can experience a range of view points and methods to inspire imaginative and language work.

They can work collaboratively and individually. The morning Earthwalk awakens their senses and observational skills. The afternoon builds on these skills and uses a range of materials to explore elements of line, colour, shape, pattern and texture.

Living history days

For a fortnight during the spring and autumn each year we offer full days of living history for primary schools. Currently you can choose either Celts and Romans, or Vikings. The day is for a maximum of 40 children but other classes can come on the same day and take part in other education programmes. Call the education team for options.

The cost for the history day is £7.50 per child. Authentic native lunches can be included at an additional £2.50 per child.

Booking packs are available separately from the education department, including information for parents and teachers about how to make authentic clothing for the day (please see brochure below)

Autumn and winter

The most exciting time to visit Martin Mere for wild birds is in winter. Thousands of wild geese and swans come here from Iceland and are fed every day in front of the 75m long Swanlink Hide. Special swan feeds can be arranged for your school to accommodate your timetable. A visit to the hide is part of our migration programme ‘My Great Adventure’, which also includes games and role-play science activities.

Remember, human visitors are fewer in winter so its better value for visiting school parties as you will get our undivided attention!