News
Latest Sightings
Over the weekend, there has been sightings of a Woodcock near Kingfisher hide and another was seen on the Reedbed Walk.1 Water Rail was observed at Janet Kear hide, where you can also view songbirds on the feeders. 3 Roe Deer were just seen behind Janet K
6 January 2025
2024 best reserve highlights
2024 was a fantastic year for breeding success at WWT Martin Mere. Across the reserve, we witnessed an abundance of new life and site records, including the first-ever recorded breeding of bitterns. Take a listen to our Reserve Manager, Louise Greenwood,
3 January 2025
Latest Sightings
It's been a cold and frosty start to the new year here at Martin Mere, with plenty of wildlife to see.There are many wintering water birds, with high numbers of Wigeon, Pintail and Shelduck all visible from our Discovery Hide. There are also hundreds of W
2 January 2025
New Year's resolution ideas for 2025
As we step into the new year, many of us will reflect on how 2024 went and how we’d like to improve our lives throughout 2025.
31 December 2024
Latest Sightings
Over the weekend, 15 Snipe were observed on the mere. Snipe are small wading birds, identifiable by their long bill, mottled brown colour and buff stripes on their head and back. Their plumage is perfect for camouflage - you can spot them from the viewing
30 December 2024
Latest Sightings
Season's greetings! A stroll through nature is the best way to unwind, so come to Martin Mere to enjoy everything wildlife has to offer.1 Snow Goose has been spotted once again on the mere. It is a rare vagrant that arrived here with ~10,000 overwintering
27 December 2024
Latest Sightings
On the run up to Christmas, Martin Mere is the perfect day out for the family. There is plenty to do, such as birdwatching from the comfort of our hides, exploring a wide range of striking birds in our diverse collection, visiting the Asian Short-Clawed
19 December 2024
Latest Sightings
Today, we carried out the Wetland Bird Survey (WeBS), a monthly nationwide count. The UK hosts internationally important numbers of wintering waterbirds. The data collected aids conservation by monitoring these populations.Please bear in mind, WeBS is not
16 December 2024
Latest Sightings
On the mere this week, we have observed 2 Oystercatcher, 20 Snipe, 4 Marsh Harrier, 1 Buzzard, 2 Great Black-Backed Gulls, 1 Great White Egret, 12 Cormorants, 5 Shoveler and 1 Tufted Duck.There have been around 60 Black-Tailed Godwits present today. You c
12 December 2024
Latest Sightings
After the stormy weather, everything has returned to normal at Martin Mere, and it is expected to stay clear and dry this week. We had a lovely sunset during our 3pm Wild Bird Feed today, with large flocks of Lapwing flying over the mere. You can view t
9 December 2024
Latest Sightings
On Wednesday this week a Green-winged teal drake was spotted from Ron Barker Hide. Be sure to keep an eye out for the male's distinctive vertical, white stripe on it's flank. This helps differentiate Green-winged Teal from Eurasian. Both Marsh and Hen Har
5 December 2024
Latest Sightings
1 male Goldeneye has been observed on the Mere since Saturday, seen from Raines and Discovery hide. It is a diving duck with a large, iridescent green head, white cheeks, and piercing yellow eyes. It has a small sloping bill and in winter, it's body is mo
2 December 2024
A wild guide to winter
Winter is one of our most popular seasons as migrating species visit us and fill our mere with activity. Winter waders, ducks, geese and swans all come together and can be seen up close at our Daily Wild Bird Feeds from the Discovery Hide and Raines Obser
1 December 2024
Latest Sightings
There have been a good number of birds of prey this week; 14 Marsh Harrier, 1 Hen Harrier, 1 Merlin, 1 Kestrel, 2 Peregrine, 1 Barn Owl and 1 Short-Eared Owl. They may be spotted from Ron Barker hide, flying over and perching at the back of the Mere, or
28 November 2024
Exclusive after-hours floodlit swan evenings at Martin Mere
Want to experience a truly unique wildlife experience? WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough, Lancashire, is hosting after-hours floodlit swan evenings.
28 November 2024