New hide opens at Martin Mere

18 December 2019

We’re delighted to announce a new hide has opened at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Situated at the Woodend Marsh area of the reserve, the hide allows visitors to get closer to a wide range of wonderful wildlife in its natural habitat.

The new hide, named the Gordon Taylor Hide, has been purchased thanks to the generosity of Mr Gordon Taylor, who donated £10,000 in his will. Mr Taylor was a much loved volunteer at the centre and staff are thrilled to be able to open this new hide in his honour.

The location of the new hide gives visitors great views of wildlife all year round. In the spring and autumn migration season, expect to see passage waders such as black-tailed godwits, curlew, wood sandpipers, greenshank and much more. The breeding season will give brilliant views of waders with chicks including lapwing, avocets and little ringed plovers. In winter there’ll be brilliant views of large flocks of pink footed geese and other wintering wildlife such as whooper swans, teal, pintail and wigeon. And it’s not just birds that this new hide will give you great views of. Regular sightings in this area of the reserve include beautiful roe deer and stoats.

Speaking of the new hide, Mr Taylor’s family said:

“We are really pleased with the new hide made possible by Gordon's donation and in such a wonderful location for viewing birds and other wildlife all year round. Bird watching was Gordon's life and he loved to share his knowledge and enthusiasm. It's a great tribute to his memory.”

The hide is part of Martin Mere’s Reedbed Walk, which is a great place to see water rails, bittern and bearded tits as you explore outside of the hide. The Gordon Taylor Hide is open to the public - the path to the hide is currently soft and wet underfoot so appropriate footwear is advised. The new hide isn't currently accessible for wheelchairs but the Reserve Team are working on the path to make it accessible in the very near future.