Martin Mere news
The first whooper swans of the season arrive at WWT Martin Mere
The first whooper swans of the season have arrived at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough. With approximately 40 birds now gathering on the water, it’s a sure sign that winter is on its way, and just in time for the centre's annual North West Bi
8 October 2026
October Bird of the Month: Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the smaller members of our Living Collection: the Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)! This little diving duck makes a big impact with its striking black-and-white plumage and rounded head. The Bufflehead is a
7 October 2026
Wildlife photography exists somewhere between chaos and calm at this year’s North West Bird Watching Festival
Sometimes the scene in front of you is moving faster than you can react: birds crossing the frame, wings colliding, flocks changing direction and a moment disappearing almost as quickly as it arrived. At other times, the best photograph comes from doing
6 October 2026
Pink-footed geese arrive in thousands at WWT Martin Mere
The unmistakable sound of autumn has arrived at WWT Martin Mere, with thousands of pink-footed geese finally touching down after their remarkable journey from Iceland. The first major waves of the much-loved pink-footed geese have arrived a
1 October 2026
A SUPER Natural adventure coming this October half term
Families can swap the spooky for a SUPER Natural Halloween adventure at WWT Martin Mere this October half term. Running from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, this unmissable week-long event invites families to discover the wonders, wildlif
28 September 2026
Local school children design their own geese for new family trail at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Local school children have been celebrating one of Lancashire’s most iconic seasonal visitors by designing their very own geese for a new family trail, the Big Goose Count, at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre as part of its new Goosefest celebrations. Ch
11 September 2026
September Bird of the Month: Baer’s Pochard (Aythya baeri)
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the world’s most endangered ducks: the Baer’s pochard (Aythya baeri). This striking diving duck might not be the most familiar face in our Living Collection, but it is a species with an incredibly imp
4 September 2026
Full line-up of guest speakers confirmed at the North West Bird Watching Festival 2026
The full line-up of guest speakers has now been announced for Lancashire’s North West Bird Watching Festival, taking place at WWT Martin Mere on 17 and 18 October 2026. Visitors attending over the weekend will have the chance to witness s
2 September 2026
The Journey of the Pink-footed Goose
Where do they come from? And what challenges do they face on their journey?
18 August 2026
Wildlife photography takes centre stage at the North West Bird Watching Festival this October
Wildlife photographers from across the UK are being invited to capture one of Britain's greatest natural spectacles as the North West Bird Watching Festival returns to WWT Martin Mere on 17 and 18 October 2026. Set within one of the UK's most important w
14 August 2026
Last chance to experience WWT Martin Mere's colourful Dragonfly Festival this summer
See our handy guide to the final weeks of summer
11 August 2026
August Bird of the Month: Marbled Teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris)
This month we're shining a spotlight on one of the more subtle members of our collection, the marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris). At first glance, the marbled teal may not have the bright colours of a mandarin duck or the striking patterns of a r
5 August 2026
North West Bird Watching Festival returns bigger than ever this October
Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and nature lovers are being invited to experience one of the UK's most spectacular wildlife events as the North West Bird Watching Festival returns to WWT Martin Mere on 17 and 18 October 2026 - bigger and better than e
14 July 2026
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
9 July 2026
July Bird of the Month: American Wigeon (Mareca americana)
This July, we're shining a spotlight on the striking American Wigeon (Mareca americana), a medium-sized dabbling duck that is instantly recognisable. One of the noisiest dabbling ducks, you will often hear it before you see it. Where can you find Americ
5 July 2026