WWT Martin Mere Announces it’s first ever ‘Goosefest’, celebrating the arrival of thousands of pink-footed geese this autumn
This autumn, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Lancashire, invites visitors to witness one of the UK’s most breathtaking spectacles as the brand-new ‘Goosefest’ runs from 5 September to 18 October 2026.
Marking the seasonal arrival of tens of thousands of pink-footed geese migrating from Greenland and Iceland, Goosefest offers a unique opportunity to experience this extraordinary wildlife up close with a month-long line-up of events and activities.
At peak times, visitors may witness flocks of up to 45,000 geese filling the skies in a truly unforgettable display.
Goosefest 2026 features an exciting programme of activities and events designed for all ages and interests. Visitors can enjoy experiences ranging from tranquil dawn viewings to hands-on workshops and family-friendly trails.
Highlights include:
- Goose trail (5 September - 1 November): A fun, interactive trail across the reserve and local area, featuring creatively designed geese by local schoolchildren.
- How to count geese workshop: Ever wondered how wardens count tens of thousands of geese? Learn fascinating techniques at these workshops.
- Daily wild bird feeds (from 17 October - Mid March): Get closer than ever to migratory species at the Discovery Hide, with no binoculars required.
- North West Bird Watching Festival (17 - 18 October): A packed weekend of guest speakers, exhibitors, bird ringing demonstrations, guided walks and wildlife activities.
- Photography competition: Capture the magic of migration through your lens, with prizes up for grabs, details coming soon.
For those looking for something extra special, Goosefest also offers a series of out-of-hours or bookable experiences:
- Late night openings (Wednesdays & Saturdays in October): Watch as vast skeins of geese return to roost at dusk on the wetland centre’s mere with free entry after 5:30pm.
- Dawn flights (3, 10 & 24 October): Start your day with the sight and sound of geese taking flight at sunrise, followed by a delicious breakfast.
- Art workshop (26 September): Join local wildlife artist Kerry Newell for a pastel workshop inspired by the surrounding landscape.
- Wildlife photography workshop (4 October): Learn expert tips and techniques to capture stunning autumn wildlife imagery.
While the pink-footed geese take centre stage, visitors can also enjoy a rich variety of wetland wildlife throughout the season, including pintail, shelduck, shoveler, wigeon, teal and, later in the autumn, another star species - whooper swans.
The month-long celebration will end with the centre's annual North West Bird Watching Festival on the 17 & 18 October, which features a full weekend of guest speakers such as biologist and conservationist Sacha Dench and naturalist Lucy Lapwing. Additionally, there will be a range of exhibitors and visitors can take part in nature-related activities such as Sony Alpha Wildlife Walks, bird ringing demonstrations, and guided boat tours, sponsored by Sony.
Plan Your Visit
Goosefest runs during peak migration season, making September and October the best time to visit. Events and activities vary in price, with many included in general admission or WWT membership. Find out more via the Goosefest website.
