WORLD WETLANDS DAY: A TRIP MARTIN MERE WETLANDS
Get free entry to Martin Mere Wetlands in celebration of World Wetlands Day
WWT, the charity dedicated to wetlands and wildlife, is throwing open the doors to its nine wetland centres across the UK—for free! From Friday, 31 January, to Friday, 7 February, everyone is invited to explore these incredible spaces without spending a penny.
Whether you're a regular visitor or stepping into a wetland for the first time, all you need to do is register with a valid email address to claim your free ticket. Once you arrive, you’ll be encouraged to embrace the adventure and ‘get lost’ in nature.
Armed with a beautifully illustrated ‘penny-coin’ map that highlights hidden corners and unseen sights, visitors will be invited to leave things to chance with the flip of a coin, and let fate decide their path.
WWT Chief Executive Sarah Fowler shares why wetlands are so special:
“Amazing things can happen in wetlands. These inspiring spaces quiet the noise of everyday life and give us the opportunity to get up close to nature. It’s our mission at WWT to restore these wonderful places and help people build meaningful connections with nature.
“This World Wetlands Day, we encourage everyone to take up the free ticket offer. Get outside – and get ready to be the main character in your very own, super-powered wetland adventure.”
Science backs it up too—just ten minutes in a wetland environment, whether it’s a marsh, lake, or river, can lift your mood. And if you can’t make it in person, don’t worry—WWT will be sharing the sights and sounds of wetlands online through their website and social media.
WWT celebrates wetlands all year round, but on 2 February, the world unites to recognize their importance. These incredible ecosystems purify water, prevent flooding, support biodiversity, capture carbon, and even boost our well-being. In short, they’re nature’s superheroes!
Visitors can claim their free ticket to a WWT wetland centre by registering with a valid email address here: Get Lost - WWT
About Martin Mere
WWT Martin Mere, located in Lancashire, is one of the UK’s most spectacular wetland reserves. Home to an incredible variety of birds, including flamboyant flamingos, migrating swans, and elusive kingfishers, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can explore scenic walkways, spot wildlife from specially designed hides, and even take to the water on a canoe safari.
No matter the season, Martin Mere is bursting with life. From dazzling winter migrations to the vibrant buzz of summer wetlands, there’s always something to discover. Families, photographers, and adventurers alike will find plenty to enjoy, whether it’s hand-feeding the friendly birds or simply soaking up the beauty of this unique landscape.
Ready for your own wetland adventure?
Where is Martin Mere?
WWT Martin Mere is located near the village of Burscough in Lancashire. It’s easily accessible by car and public transport, making it a perfect day out for visitors from across the North West.
📍 Address:
WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA
Getting to Martin Mere by Public Transport
🚆 From Manchester
Take a train from Manchester Victoria or Manchester Oxford Road to New Lane or Burscough Bridge (via Wigan Wallgate). The journey takes about 1 hour.
From New Lane, Martin Mere is a 6-minute taxi ride or a 25-minute walk.
🚆 From Liverpool
Take a Merseyrail train from Liverpool Central to Southport.
At Southport, transfer to a Northern train towards Manchester and alight at New Lane station.
From New Lane, Martin Mere is a 1.5-mile walk (approximately 30 minutes) or a short taxi ride.
Alternatively:
Take a train from Liverpool Lime Street to Wigan North Western.
Walk to Wigan Wallgate station (a short distance) and take a train to Burscough Bridge.
From Burscough Bridge, it's a 1.5-mile walk or a short taxi ride to Martin Mere.
Note: Walking routes from both Burscough Bridge and New Lane stations to Martin Mere are signposted.
Claim your free ticket
To claim your free ticket to a WWT wetland centre, simply register with a valid email address here.
T&Cs: Any person with a valid email address can claim a free ticket for one visit only. No purchase necessary. This offer is valid from Friday 31 January through until Friday 7 February 2025 across nine WWT centres, not including WWT Steart Marshes, which is always free to enter. This offer only covers admission to a WWT centre, any additional activities will be charged at the usual rate. Visitors wishing to use this offer must present a valid free ticket to admissions staff. WWT are unable to refund any pre-booked online tickets in relation to this offer, however admissions staff may be able to issue a complimentary ticket for another day. To make sure you have the best visit possible, WWT is limiting the number of free tickets available per centre. So grab yours quick! Full terms and conditions can be found at wwt.org.uk
