Projects Updates:

14/07/2010 14:29: Digging commences to create a new wetland at WWT Martin Mere

Media news from WWT Martin Mere
Thursday 1 July

Digging commences to create a new wetland at WWT Martin Mere

Work has begun to create 2.4 hectares of new reed bed, wet woodland and wet grassland (swamp) habitat at WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Lancashire, primarily to provide nesting habitat for reed bunting and water vole (both UK and Local BAP list species) and other important species of conservation concern such as bearded tit, sedge warbler and reed warbler.

The wetland creation project, funded by Lancashire Environmental Fund, SITA Trust, Ibstock Cory Environmental Trust (ICET) and WWT, involves the excavation and profiling of ditches and ponds within an area that was once part of the Martin Mere - at one time one of the largest lakes and wetlands in the Lancashire plains.

Andy Wooldridge, Centre Manager, said: "It is always exciting to create and develop wetland habitat and this is a unique opportunity for our members and visitors to experience wetland wildlife. Working on a project from start to finish is very rewarding as you can see an area that is currently un-inhabited start to flourish with a whole range of flowers, insects and birds. I am really looking forward to jumping in a canoe and exploring next year."

Once completed the open channels will be used for visitors to paddle around the reed bed in canoes. This is an alternative method of bird watching whilst getting close to wildflowers and insects such as bumble bees, dragonflies and butterflies in a fun and interactive way.

The wetland creation will be completed by October 2010 with the canoe safari experience opening in Spring 2011.

WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Situated off the A59, it is signposted from the M61, M58 and M6. The Centre is also accessible via the Southport to Manchester and the Liverpool to Preston line by train from Burscough Rail Stations. Visit the web site
http://www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere to find out what’s on all year round at Martin Mere and the other eight centres.