Summer cygnets at Martin Mere
Both the Black swans and Black-necked swans at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre have had two cygnets hatch this week; completing what has been a successful new life season for the resident swans at Martin Mere.
The Black swans and their two cygnets can be found walking around on the grass in the ‘Weird or Wonderful’ attraction at Martin Mere; an area that celebrates the weird and wonderful characteristics of wildfowl. Grounds Manager Steve Nasir, said: “This pair of Black swans were only paired up in 2013 when WOW was opened and they have been successful in rearing almost 10 cygnets since them. We are confident that they will continue to be good parents and raise them successfully.”
In contrast, the two Black-necked swans cygnets will often be found riding around on the backs of their parents on the water, tucked under their wing. Steve added: “These cygnets are paler in colour and spend most of their time in the water or riding on their parents back, it’s a great and very cute photograph opportunity. Both sets of cygnets are very different and you should look out for them whilst visiting over the summer holidays.”
Summer holiday nature explorer holiday activities have already begun at Martin Mere. Kids can collect their passport and gain stickers for doing 8 fun activities during their visit, collecting a gold sticker at the end of the day if they have 6 or more stickers. This summer, we are offering free entry for kids, with a full paying adult, who have stickers on their passport and want to come back during the holidays to complete it.
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am to 6pm in the summer (4.30pm during winter months) 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 WWT Wetland Centres.
