New reedbed walk
A new reedbed walk has opened at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre aimed to get our visitors face to face with some of our more secretive species whilst also enjoying a walk through nature.
Reserve Manager, Tom Clare, said: “We are opening up the Pat Wisniewski reedbed, which will provide a different aspect of Martin Mere’s nature reserve. This 20ha reedbed will be opened up allowing the visitors to explore the area at their own speed through guided pathways. Having a more natural nature trail is something we have been wanting to do for a number of years and we know it will be exceptionally popular with birdwatchers, photographers, walkers and anyone who enjoys being surrounded by wildlife 
and nature.”
The reedbed is home to many species including Marsh Harriers, Mute Swans and Crested Grebes as well as an abundance of fauna, butterflies and dragonflies to look for.
Tom continues: “There are already plenty of reedbed specialist species present with Reed and Sedge warblers calling away, and some new species for the reserve Cetti’s and Grasshopper warblers also present. However the most exciting aspect of opening up the reedbed will be what the visitors find, who knows what rare species might turn up and be spotted by our eagle eyed visitor.”
The reedbed walk can be accessed via the Harrier Hide, simply go through the door under the stairs and follow the pathway to the left.
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is open every day (except Christmas 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 WWT Wetland Centres.
