Autumn goose events
Over the next couple of weeks there will soon be the familiar sound of geese passing overhead – yes Autumn has officially begun, and WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre will soon be expecting the arrival of up to 30,000 Pink-footed geese after their journey from Iceland.
Reserve Manager, Tom Clare, said: ““the geese need perfect weather conditions to make the journey from Iceland but we would expect up to 30,000+ geese using the reserve by late September and throughout October.”
From Wednesday 28 September, Martin Mere will be open until 7pm every 
Wednesday and Saturday to allow visitors to watch the full spectacle of seeing the geese come into roost. Visitors need to have entered the centre before it closes at 6pm but the nature trail and hides will be open until 7pm. Between 5.30pm and 6pm it will also be free to enter the reserve for the last hour, ensuring all of our local community can access this spectacle - follow the signs for nature trail entry.
On Saturday 1, 8, 15 & 22 October, experience the haunting sound and the thrill of an early morning hide visit with a warden. In past years at this time, the whooper swans have started to arrive back from Iceland and there will be thousands of pink-footed geese on the reserve – you can watch them as they wake and leave the roost. The event starts at 7am and includes a full English breakfast. The cost is £15.50 and you must book in advance by calling 01704 895181.
Tom continues to say: “my most memorable moment here at Martin Mere was before dawn and I had come to work early to carry out a count of the Pink-footed geese. I wandered sleepily down to the Ron Barker hide and could immediately hear the “murmuring” of many “Pinkies”. As I looked out of the hide, the two marshes where completely covered with geese. I don’t actually think any more could fit in. I was stunned at the sight and it took me a while to start counting, but the count revealed 25,000 geese just from this hide. I then waited until they started to take off. Surely this has to be one of the greatest sights of nature and it is equally amazing seeing them fly in at night before they settle so I am delighted that we are offering late openings this year”.
WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 6pm 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.
