WWT Martin Mere facts for kids
Quick facts for kids WWT Martin Mere |
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Flamingoes at Martin Mere
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| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| OS grid | SD425145 |
| Visitors | 192,443 (in 2019) |
| Official name: Martin Mere | |
| Designated: | 28 November 1985 |
| Reference #: | 324 |
WWT Martin Mere is a special place in Lancashire, England. It's a wetland nature reserve where you can see many different kinds of wild birds. It's also home to a collection of wildfowl from all over the world.
This amazing place is managed by a group called the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. It's one of ten reserves they look after. Martin Mere is so important for nature that it has special titles. It's known as an SSSI, a SPA, and a Ramsar Site. These titles mean it's a very important place for wildlife, especially birds and their homes.
The name "Martin Mere" comes from a large, shallow lake called a "mere" on the west side of the reserve. Around this mere, there are more than ten special buildings called "hides." These hides let you watch the birds without disturbing them. On the other side of the reserve, there are areas with different habitats. These areas are designed for birds from places like Africa, Australasia, North America, South America, Siberia, and Asia.
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Discovering Wildlife at Martin Mere
Martin Mere is a fantastic place to find many different kinds of wildlife. It even has its own "Domesday Book" from 2002. This book lists important wildlife species found there.
Amazing Plants and Insects
Besides birds, you can find unique plants at Martin Mere. One rare plant is the whorled caraway (Carum verticillatum). This plant is usually only found in southwest England, but it grows here too! Another special plant is the water dropwort (Oenanthe fistulosa).
The reserve is also important for tiny insects. The marsh dowd (Blastobasis rebeli) is a very small moth. The first time this micromoth was ever recorded in northern England was right here at Martin Mere!
Winter Wonders: Birds Galore
Martin Mere is especially exciting in winter. Huge groups of pink-footed geese come to visit. You can also see many wigeon and whooper swans. Sometimes, even rarer birds like the snow goose appear.
Winter is also a great time to spot birds of prey. Look out for the graceful hen harrier. You might also see a fast peregrine or a small, speedy merlin.
Martin Mere on TV
Did you know Martin Mere has been on TV? The BBC show Autumnwatch was broadcast live from the reserve in 2006 and 2007. This shows how special and beautiful Martin Mere is!
History of WWT Martin Mere
WWT Martin Mere first opened its doors to members of the Wildfowl Trust in late 1974. Then, in March 1975, it welcomed the general public.
How it All Started
The idea for this reserve came from a man named Ronnie Barker. He was a haulage contractor and a friend of Sir Peter Scott. Ronnie knew that many pink-footed geese and Bewick's swans rested at Martin Mere. He helped Sir Peter meet the landowner at the time. This meeting led to Sir Peter buying 363 acres of land for £52,000. The very first person in charge of the reserve was Peter Gladstone (1928–2000).
