Unforgettable Winter School Trips to Martin Mere Wetland Centre Now at Special Price

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, based in Burscough, Lancashire, is calling on local schools to join them for exclusive up-close encounters of wildlife with coach travel included as part of a special package offer.

Whilst winter might not be the most obvious season for a school trip, it is, in fact, one of the busiest times for wildlife at Martin Mere. The reserve is flooded with thousands of migratory birds visiting the wetland centre from places like Iceland. They spend the winter in the UK to avoid the harsher weather back home.

For schools booking a visit and attending by 14 March 2025, they can take advantage of an exclusive commentated wild bird feed in the Discovery Hide. One of the centre’s largest hides, it offers schools close-up views of star species like the whooper swan, pintail, and wigeon without the need for binoculars.

Schools will explore the 800-mile journey these birds make and the challenges they overcome to get to the wetland centre.

Outside of the migratory aspect, schools can explore the living collection, home to over 70 wetland species from across the world. See flamingos, otters, storks, spoonbills, and a range of ducks, geese, and swans.

To make this opportunity even more accessible, Martin Mere has partnered with Don Fraser Coaches to offer local schools coach travel as part of a package deal. For only £13 per child (adults go free), schools can enjoy transport, admission, classroom lunch space, and an hour of guided learning all included (price example based on two classes with 60 children attending). Schools will be picked up at 9:15 and leaving Martin Mere at 14:00.

Schools in areas such as Ainsdale, Croston, Eccleston, Leyland, Ormskirk, Parbold, Skelmersdale, Southport, Tarleton, and in between may be eligible for the package deal.

WWT Martin Mere can also offer tailored, curriculum-linked learning sessions, pre and post visit session plans and a range of interactive resources to enhance children’s learning. Get in touch with the education team to find out more and see if you qualify for the package deal.