WWT Martin Mere Wins Gold for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism
Martin Mere takes home the trophy at the Visit Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026
WWT Martin Mere is celebrating a remarkable achievement after winning Gold in the Visit Lancashire Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award 2026.
Lancashire’s finest tourism and hospitality businesses were in the spotlight last night (11 February) at the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2026, held in the spectacular surroundings of the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, hosted by BBC Radio Lancashire’s Mike Stevens.
The annual awards, organised by Marketing Lancashire, the county’s LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) was a dazzling showcase for the county’s leading tourism, hospitality and food and drink businesses, supported by Headline Sponsors Blackpool & The Fylde College and BOOTHS.
From Large Event to Small Serviced Accommodation, New Tourism Business to Experience of the Year; there was a category covering every aspect of Lancashire’s tourism offer.
WWT Martin Mere is delighted to have taken home the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, reflecting the centre’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors.
Victoria Fellowes, Visitor Experience Manager at WWT Martin Mere, said: “We’re so pleased to win the Accessible and Inclusive award at the Lancashire Tourism Awards last night. This also follows on from last year’s success winning the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism award last year.
“We have done so much in the last couple of years to make martin mere so much more accessible, and there is a lot more to come this year, such as trialling more accessible gates in the grounds, a SEND family day, and an audio guided walk so stay tuned!”
Accessibility is at the heart of the wetland centre’s development, from dedicated quiet sessions during popular activities to improved pathways throughout the Living Collection and nature reserve.
Over the past two years, significant improvements have been made across the site. In partnership with CMA CGM Group, a global leader in maritime, land, air and logistics solutions, WWT Martin Mere has delivered restoration works, including upgraded tracks, new benches and improved signage to enhance access for all.
The funding from CMA CGM has enabled the installation of a brand-new accessible walkway along the Reedbed Walk where visitors can discover some of the more secretive and rare species such as water rails, bitterns, and cetti’s and grasshopper warblers.
Viewing hides across the centre have undergone work, with widened windows for improved wheelchair-designated viewing areas, ensuring more visitors can comfortably enjoy the wildlife.
Families have also been enjoying the exciting new accessible attractions, including the wet play area, Paddle and Play, which features in-ground trampolines and levelled surfaces.
A new wheelchair-friendly wet meadow and self-guided bug hunting area also offers immersive, sensory-rich experiences designed to engage visitors of all abilities.
The centre has also introduced quiet and relaxed sessions during events and activities. These include quiet pond dipping sessions throughout the summer, as well as quiet puddle jumping during February half term, with plans to continue and expand these sessions at future events.
Staff and volunteers have undergone training in areas such as basic British sign language, dementia training, visual impairment, and neurodiversity. Additionally, the centre has upgraded facilities on site and introduced a new accessible video on the website so visitors can see what to expect before their visit.
While proud of this achievement, WWT Martin Mere remains committed to continually improving accessibility. Visitors are encouraged to share feedback or suggestions by contacting info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk.
