WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is reopening next weekend!
The wildlife venue, famed for its wide variety of birdlife, has been closed for the past three months due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
But they will finally open their doors next Wednesday (June 10), with lots of strict new social distancing rules in place.
Members of the public and WWT members must pre-book visits online so we the centre can effectively manage numbers.
A Martin Mere spokesman said: “We missed you all during lockdown and we hope you’ve kept safe and well. You remain our primary concern, so rest assured that we’re following the latest Government guidance and we are only opening as and when we can do so safely.”
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Martin Mere is limiting the number of people who can visit on any one day. And they have introduced a booking system to manage that.
If visitors have to queue to get in, they will be asked to keep two metres apart from the people in front. There will be screens up at the admission desk.
Access to indoor areas will be limited. Visitors won’t be able to go into the aviaries or flamingo houses.
Some hides are closed completely because they’re just too small. Others are open for a set number of people. Where hides have more than one floor, only the ground floor will be open. Doors and windows will be propped open so people don’t have to touch them.
Play areas are closed for the moment, and Martin Mere isn’t running activities such as pond-dipping, walks and talks.
Some paths are now one-way to help visitors keep a safe distance from others. Some areas where people might naturally gather have been closed.
Toilets are available but some have been closed because they’re too small.
Martin Mere has increased its cleaning regime, particularly toilets. And they have plenty of hand sanitiser available around the site.
Martin Mere shops and cafes are also closed for now, but they hope to be able to offer takeaway food very soon.
Visitors are welcome to bring your own food and drink and make use of picnic areas.
A Martin Mere spokesman said: “From the experience of the last few months, we know that the situation changes frequently. We do our best to keep the information on our website completely up to date, but sometimes that’s not 100% possible.
“You may find that on the day you visit we’ve had to close something, or we’ve been able to open up something that was previously restricted. We hope that doesn’t affect your enjoyment of your day.
“So take your time, look, watch and listen, and enjoy being surrounded by nature.”
Bookings open every Wednesday morning at 9am for the following week, and you need to book before midnight the day before you’d like to visit.
WWT Martin Mere is situated on Fish Lane, Burscough. For more details visit: www.wwt.org.uk or call: 01704895181.
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