Mediterranean gull chick makes history as first to hatch at Martin Mere
An adorable Mediterranean gull chick has made history as the first recording hatchling of its species at Lancashire’s wetland reserve, WWT Martin Mere.
The Mediterranean gull, which was quite a rare bird into the 1950s, first started breeding in the UK in 1968 and is becoming more increasingly common as a UK breeding species.
The species has attempted to breed over the last few years at WWT Martin Mere, but the eggs have not been viable. But in mid-May of 2026, this record-breaking chick successfully hatched on the centre’s reserve.
The reserve team at WWT Martin Mere has been monitoring the species over the last few years to study their behaviour and see their preferred breeding spots. In partnership with CMA CGM, a global player in maritime, land, air, and logistics solutions, the centre has utilised funding to control the rushes in the area and make way for their ideal habitat.
Louise Greenwood, Reserve Manager at WWT Martin Mere, commented: “We are extremely thrilled to welcome the arrival of our very first Mediterranean gull chick. This follows on from our very first breeding bitterns in 2024, so to keep on seeing more of those rarer species breeding on our reserve is a real milestone and just proves how worthwhile our restoration works are for these amazing birds”.
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, located in Burscough near Southport, is open 364 days a year, offering over 600 acres of unforgettable wildlife experiences.
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