Take a trip to South Pole
To celebrate the centenary of the Scott Antarctic expedition, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is taking families back in time over the Christmas holidays to become an explorer and make the perilous journey to the South Pole in our creative trail.
'Scott of the Antarctic' was a naval officer and explorer, as well as Peter Scotts father, who died attempting to be the first to reach the South Pole in 1912. As part of the trail, families will make their way to base camp to create their own flag before choosing what supplies they wish to take with them on their journey through the grounds, learning about being an explorer along the way. If your expedition is successful you can place your flag in the ground at the end for a fantastic photo opportunity.
WWT is a living legacy of the Scott Expeditions that inspired a generation. Scott’s son, Sir Peter Scott, followed in his footsteps, founding WWT and inspiring many, including Sir David Attenborough himself, who has named Sir Peter Scott ‘the father of modern conservation’.
The Antarctica event, from 26 December to Tuesday 3 January (and subsequent weekends in January), is open from 11am to 3pm (last time to go on the trail) and included with the admission price of the centre.
There will also be an exhibition located in the Greenwood building donated by the Scott Polar Research Institute and the British Antarctic Survey. Through this incredible exhibition we will bring the spirit of Scott’s expeditions to life. You can be part of the show that will take young and old alike on a journey to the most extreme wetlands on the earth – the poles. The exhibition will be open every day until early February.
Family fun activities will also include balancing eggs on your feet and walking like penguins; family crafts from 1pm to 4pm; den building; otter talk and feeds at 11.30am and 2.30pm; a conservation talk at 12.30pm; and the chance to watch over 1000 Whooper swans feed on the mere at 3pm and 3.30pm.
This is the first in a series of Scott Antarctic Expedition Centenary events taking place at WWT’s nine wetland centres across the UK throughout 2012. WWT’s 2011-2012 Photography Competition, currently in its Winter Heat, is also held in celebration of the Scott Antarctic Expedition Centenary, see www.wwt.org.uk/photo for details on how to enter.
WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 5pm 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.
