Lancashire’s WWT Martin Mere is turning 50!
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Lancashire, is celebrating its 50th anniversary on 1 March 2025, marking five decades of conservation, education, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
The popular wildlife centre initially opened to WWT members in late 1974, and then to the general public in March 1975. It has over 70 wetland species in its Living Collection such as flamingos, white storks, common cranes, and Inca terns and its reserve spans over 600 acres.
It was local haulage contractor Ronnie Barker who introduced WWT founder Sir Peter Scott to the land. Ronnie knew that each winter, pink-footed geese and Bewick’s swans roosted on the site and that Sir Peter Scott was searching for a location to open a new wetland centre. Sir Peter Scott bought 363 acres for £52,000 and then work commenced over the next three years to map out and develop the site.
It was once England’s largest body of water, larger than Lake Windermere, before being drained for agricultural purposes in the 1600s.
Since opening its doors, WWT has worked hard to restore it to its important wetlands and make it a haven for wetland species.
The pink-footed geese still visit the centre from Iceland each year, creating Martin Mere’s most well-known wildlife spectacle as they fly in the sky each dawn and dusk before settling on the mere for the night.
Although the Bewick’s swans are now rare, whooper swans visit from Iceland each winter and treat visitors to up-close views during their daily wild bird feed from the Discovery Hide.
The pink-footed geese and whooper swans, along with other migratory species, make up over 170,000 birds that use the reserve as a sanctuary each winter, marking its conservation importance.
In terms of people, the popular centre has welcomed over seven million people through its doors since opening. Additionally, over 400,000 schools have stepped foot into Martin Mere for educational visits.
Victoria Fellowes, Visitor Experience Manager at WWT Martin Mere, said “When it was purchased, the site didn’t contain any trees and had been used as a dumping ground.
“Since then, we’ve seen amazing milestones such as the opening of our breathtaking reedbed walk, record number of 45,800 pink-footed geese visiting one winter, breeding bitterns for the first time in our history, and record numbers of lapwing, avocets, and other species that rely on wetlands”.
Those wanting to celebrate WWT Martin Mere’s 50th birthday with them can expect a 50th exhibition filled with photos and memorabilia, a Before & After photo trail around their grounds, and special events throughout the year.
WWT Martin Mere is also sharing the love on its 50th birthday with 12 lucky visitors being in with the chance to win exclusive prizes such as a behind-the-scenes at an otter talk, a yearly membership, and free canoe hire for the entire 2025 season.
Paying visitors and members on 1 and 2 March 2025 will be able to visit the centre’s information desk and try their luck in a lucky dip with the chance to pull out a prize for:
- Behind the scenes at their otter talk and helping to put their food out in their habitat
- The chance to lead the daily Wild Bird Feed and feed thousands of migratory species - a dream come true for bird lovers!
- A complimentary lunch in the centre’s Mere Side Café.
- A pair of 8x42 Curlew binoculars worth £119.
- A free canoe hire every day of the 2025 season (April–October). That means unlimited use of the Canoe Safari!
- An annual membership, granting unlimited visits throughout the year.
Keep an eye on our 'What's On' page for further information!
