New hide to open at Martin Mere

Visitors to WWT Martin Mere will be able to get even closer to its famous spectacle of thousands of geese and swans after a brand new 'mega-hide' was completed this week.

The new hide will open to the public on 20 November. It has been made possible thanks to donations from WWT members, Lancashire Environmental Fund, Cargill and the support of players of People's Postcode Lottery.

The hide, which is 70 metres long, has four distinct sections for visitors to choose from according to their level of birdwatching experience. The 'discovery' section is furnished with sofas and has spotting scopes available for novices and those who simply enjoy comfort. Other sections are designed for photographers and birders to enjoy the experience open to the elements and the sounds of thousands of swans as they gather on the mere.

Reserve manager Nick Brooks explained: "WWT Martin Mere has opened up a new attraction every year for the last six years and we're going to continue offering new and exciting experiences for our visitors.

"We're incredibly grateful to everyone who's supported this new hide — WWT members who've donated, Lancashire Environment Fund, Cargill and support from players of People's Postcode Lottery. They have helped people of all ages and abilities to watch, learn and be inspired by the unique spectacle of thousands of pink-footed geese and whooper swans. It is going to be a great new attraction and we are looking forward to opening it to the public."

The new hide has been built to replace the 'Swan Link' hide which was built in the 1980s. At the time it was the longest bird hide in Europe, allowing more than 100 people to sit and view the thousands of Whooper Swans at one time, but it is now in need of updating. The 'Swan Link' hide will be kept open to the public for one last winter before being dismantled next spring.

Martin Mere WWT is open daily (except Christmas Day); parking is free of charge. Situated off the A59, it is signposted from the M61, M58 and M6. It is also accessible via the Southport to Manchester and the Liverpool to Preston railway lines from Burscough Rail Stations. To find out what's on all year round at Martin Mere, visit www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere.