WWT Martin Mere pays tribute to late Pat Wisniewski
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre has paid tribute to the late Centre Manager, Pat Wisniewski by officially naming the 183 acre reedbed that he created the ‘Pat Wisniewski Reedbed’
The launch of the Pat Wisniewski Reedbed happened on Wednesday (1 May) when over 20 people gathered to hear moving tributes from WWT Chief Executive Martin Spray and Wayne Shields, former Chairman of the Friends of Martin Mere.
Pat was instrumental in the purchase of the agricultural land that has been spectacularly transformed into the reedbed and Harrier Hide that allow our visitors to now see Marsh Harriers, reed buntings and more recently a Cetti’s Warbler for the first time up close.
Wayne Shields said: “Naming the reedbed after Pat is a fitting tribute that will allow Pats name and achievements to live on forever at Martin Mere. Pat’s interest in natural history had its roots in his childhood when he began to build up menageries of unusual and exotic creatures. He was gifted with an outstanding intellect and vision, writing numerous books and was runner up in the UK finale of the Radio 4 Natural History Brain of Britain Competition. It was an honour to know Pat and this is a perfect tribute to him”.
Pat started working at Martin Mere in 1983, becoming Centre Manager in 1991 and the Centre Exhibition Development Manager for WWT in 2006. He sadly passed away in 2008 after being the longest serving Centre Manager at Martin Mere to date and had been at the forefront of the success of this prestigious wetland conservation and tourist facility.
New developments during his reign have included an annexe to the visitor centre, the greenwood building, the longest hide in Europe, the Pond Zone, floodlit viewing of wild swans, the beaver enclosure at Martin Mere and investment in equipment to bring birds closer to people and a junior bird club. He has instigated a number of events for the public and set up a volunteer team with more than 100 members.
Pictured are Louise Wisniewski, Martin Spray and Wayne Shields in front of the Harrier Hide.
WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm 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.
