Canoes and ponds re-open
The award winning canoe safari and boat tours at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre are re-opening on Saturday 24 March, offering adults and children lots of fun exploring the wetland through open water, woodlands, wet grassland and reedbed as well as seeing the wildlife that call the canoe safari home.
As well as the canoe safari, the pond zone is also re-opening on 24 March offering the families the chance to delve into our ponds and see what creatures they can find lurking beneath the surface. This is a free activity open everyday of the Easter holidays from 11am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm.
Victoria Fellowes, Marketing Manager, said: “Just 8 years ago, the area that is now the canoe 
safari was a large field that we once grazed sheep on. It is amazing to see how it has matured and we have created fantastic habitat that species such as kingfisher, heron, little grebe and watervoles have made their home; and you can get great sightings of these species as well as carp, moorhen and robin as well as listening to the sound of woodpeckers and bird calls. It is one of the most popular experiences we offer at Martin Mere in the spring and summer and a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to get immersed in nature in a tranquil relaxing atmosphere.”
Take our guided boat tour learning all about Martin Mere whilst listening to our knowledgeable
staff and volunteers tell you all about the amazing scenery and wildlife as well as the history of Martin Mere. You could also take a self guided tour of the wetland in one of the canoes, taking your time to enjoy all the scenery that Martin Mere has to offer.
Canoes can hold up to three people and cost £8.00 for the hour rental; the guided boat tour is available from £3.00 per person for a 30 minute guided tour. The boats seat 8 people and can also accommodate 2 wheelchairs.
There are no age restrictions to go on the canoe safari, although the person must be able to fit into the supplied life jacket. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The attraction will be open every day from 11am to 4pm.
WWT Martin Mere is still looking for volunteers to support the canoe safari and pond dipping activities at the centre – search WWT volunteer online to find out more and make an application.
WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 4.30pm (6pm from 24 March) and parking is free of charge. Situated off the A59, it is signposted from the M61, M58 and M6. The Centre is also accessible via the Southport to Manchester and the Liverpool to Preston line by train from Burscough Rail Stations. Visit the web site http://www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere/ to find out what’s on all year round at Martin Mere and the other eight centres.
