Latest sightings
The first lapwing chicks hatched today hopefully the first of many. The little ringed plovers have set up territories we have 3 pairs.
Whimbrel on site this week and still a few wheatears knocking around. 4 pairs of grasshopper warblers on site
Lot is butterflies on the wing including peacocks, large whites, commas, speckled woods and small tortoiseshells.
Several young hares across the site they are called leverets. They are born with their eyes open and covered in fur so they can escape predators.
Our herd of English longhorn cattle have now had 15 calves, 9 more are expecting. We use the cows to graze the wet grasslands they do a great job of creating a mosaic of grasses leaving tussocks which is great for redshank and snipe , the shirt grasses are perfect for the breeding lapwing. The cattle muddy up the pool edges for passage waders. Their dung is full of insects which lots of birds eat straight from the cow pat including snipe, godwits and woodcock. They are a native breed and they are hardy so can stay in the fields all winter, don't need assistance calving and enjoy eating the rough grass and rush we have at Martin Mere.
The grounds, the nature reserve and all hides and paths are closed at WWT Martin Mere, following government guidance on Covid-19. A small team of essential staff is working on site looking after the animals and completing essential tasks on the reserve. Please do not attempt to visit the site as you will be putting our staff and yourself at risk.
