Martin Mere (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR165

A day exploring Lancashire's finest birdwatching reserves, hoping to encounter wintering wildfowl and Tree Sparrow.

We hope to run this tour in the future, but have not yet finalised dates and prices. To be added to a waiting list and be informed when details are confirmed, please click on the register interest button, or phone 01962 733051.
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Martin Mere is an important wetland reserve in Lancashire and provides a safe haven for thousands of wintering geese, swans and other wildfowl. This well-managed reserve has open water, reedbed, wet meadows, bushes, bird-feeding stations, observation hides, visitor centre, giftshop, restaurant and takeaway to provide a perfect place for people to watch thousands of birds in comfort. 

In autumn, Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans arrive from their Icelandic breeding grounds and hundreds of Wigeon return from Russia. Waders such as Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit and Dunlin search the muddy areas along the edges of the pools. The large numbers of wildfowl and other birds attract raptors such as Peregrine, Marsh Harrier, while Merlin and Hen Harrier occasionally appear. Barn Owl and Kingfisher are two of the most popular sightings for visitors. 

Autumn has sufficient daylight to enable us to include an afternoon visit to the Marshside RSPB reserve near Southport. We will make the 20-minute drive to this wetland reserve on the edge of the Ribble Estuary which also attracts large numbers of wildfowl and waders such as Black-tailed Godwit, Ruff and Common Redshank. It can be a good place for raptors such as Merlin while Hen Harriers can sometimes be seen on the nearby saltmarsh. 

Martin Mere becomes an even more important refuge for birds as winter progresses and the sight and sound of thousands of geese and swans provide a memorable experience. The comfortable observation hides provide perfect locations to watch the birds without disturbing them. 

PLEASE NOTE: Entry to WWT Martin Mere is NOT included in the price of this Day Trip. Entry is free to WWT members and £14.75 to non-members. Tickets can be booked in advance through the WWT website, or can be purchased on the day at arrival. 

 

  • Explore Martin Mere WWT nature reserve with tour leader Barrie Cooper
  • Look for wildfowl including Pink-footed Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Pintail and Gadwall
  • Possible raptors include Marsh and Hen Harriers, Peregrine, Merlin and Sparrowhawk
  • Waders including Curlew, Common Redshank, Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Golden Plover and Lapwing
  • Other birds could include Barn Owl, Kingfisher, Tree Sparrow and Reed Bunting
  • Enjoy the wonderful scenery of this part of Lancashire
Day Trip Location

Day Trip Location

Why Naturetrek?

Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

  • The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
  • Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
  • Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!