Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve
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Marton Mere Nature Reserve

4.5
·189 reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil nature reserve with reed beds, open water, and woodlands, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Peak bird activity

CrowdLow
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Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve

Marton Mere Nature Reserve

Best Time

Spring mornings

Peak bird activity

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil nature reserve with reed beds, open water, and woodlands, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

4.5
(189 reviews)

"A haven for bird watchers with many breeds roosting there, and plenty of wildlife to photograph."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Waterproof Footwear

Trails can be very muddy, especially outside of summer. Wellies or sturdy boots are a must!

🧥 Dress in Layers

The weather can change quickly. Bring warm clothing to stay comfortable during your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birdwatcher's Paradise

Birdwatcher's Paradise

Various hides throughout the reserve

Spot diverse bird species like grebes, bitterns, and stonechats in their natural habitat.

Abundant Wildlife

Abundant Wildlife

Woodland and open water areas

Observe rabbits, squirrels, and wildfowl, with opportunities for photography.

Scenic Walking Paths

Scenic Walking Paths

Circumference of the mere and connecting trails

Enjoy peaceful strolls through reed beds, grasslands, and woodlands.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for Muddy Trails

Marton Mere Nature Reserve can get quite muddy, especially after rain. Pack waterproof boots or wellies to navigate the paths comfortably. Layers of warm clothing are also recommended for unpredictable weather.

Navigating the Reserve

Signage can be a bit sparse, making it tricky to find the main reserve entrance for the first time. Consider a map or GPS if you're unfamiliar with the area. Once inside, paths lead to hides and various wildlife spots.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Peak bird activity
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Berry picking opportunities
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Great family getaway for the August bank holiday at Marton Mere in Blackpool, one of Havens best sites in the north west, Familybtime is the best time@Haven #phoenix #dayinthelife #familyof5 #funtimes #holidays
@therosefamily5
5.3K likes • 20.8K views

🥾 Wear Waterproof Footwear

Trails can be very muddy, especially outside of summer. Wellies or sturdy boots are a must! Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

The weather can change quickly. Bring warm clothing to stay comfortable during your visit. Reddit

Haven Marton Mere Blackpool 3 Bedroom Caravan Sleeps 8 August dates still available £499 for up to 8 people dates available are - Fri 1st - Mon 4th Fri 8th - Mon 11th Fri 22nd - Mon 25th No pets 5* Reviews and high repeat of returning customers #fory #foryoupage❤️❤️ #forupage #foryou #fyy #fyy #fyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy #Blackpool #summersteals #paydaydeals #bargain #sale #deal #holiday #myhavend...
@jessica_caravanblackpool
3.2K likes • 655.9K views
Huge thanks to our friends and partners at Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve for hosting zoo staff for an evening partnership event last week 🌸🐝🌿 We saw some wonderful wildlife sightings and visited some of the new Blackpool Zoo funded interpretation boards recently installed as part of our ongoing native species and community conservation work at Marton Mere. Check out this reel created by Educa...
blackpoolzoo
91 likes • 4.3K views

📸 Bring Your Camera

Abundant wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and squirrels, makes for great photo opportunities. Reddit

🗺️ Use a Map for Navigation

Signage can be limited, so a map or GPS can help you find your way around the reserve. Reddit

During the Marton section of my Beyond the Prom tour, I met with Joe at Marton Mere Nature Reserve, alongside fellow volunteers Peter, Jan, and Helen, who work with the council on habitat management and look after this beautiful green space for both residents and visitors, 52 weeks of the year, come rain or shine! 🌦️ Throughout my Beyond the Prom tour, we’ve discovered many wonderful green spaces...
chriswebbmp
8 likes • 428 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Waterproof Footwear

Trails can be very muddy, especially outside of summer. Wellies or sturdy boots are a must! Reddit

🧥 Dress in Layers

The weather can change quickly. Bring warm clothing to stay comfortable during your visit. Reddit

📸 Bring Your Camera

Abundant wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and squirrels, makes for great photo opportunities. Reddit

🗺️ Use a Map for Navigation

Signage can be limited, so a map or GPS can help you find your way around the reserve. Reddit

🐦 Utilize Bird Hides

These sheltered spots offer excellent vantage points for observing birds and other wildlife. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(189 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Marton Mere Nature Reserve is praised for its abundant wildlife, particularly its diverse bird population and opportunities to see rabbits and squirrels. Visitors enjoy the peaceful walking trails and the improved facilities. Some find navigation challenging due to limited signage, and the muddy conditions after rain require appropriate footwear.

"After four busy days at marton mere caravan park it was time for a brief walk around marton mere nature reserve. A short walk from the caravan park it doesn't disappoint! It is a haven for bird watchers with many breeds roosting there such as the grebe bittern stonechat pochard to name but a few there are also plenty of blackberry bushes and wild apple trees to have a pick at if that's your thing"

David Mills

"Love going for walks round here even in the rain you do need to be aware that there can be some very muddy areas so wellies or boots 👢 are a good idea at this time of year and of course some warm clothes. There are some hides so if you like watching 👀 birds rabbits and squirrels its great ."

Wendy “Wendywoo” Green

"Was a little difficult finding my way to the actual reserve, a few signs would make a difference to people unfamiliar with the area however once parked up had a wonderful time taking pictures of the abundant wildlife"

Lee Wardle

What People Like

Abundant wildlife sightings
Peaceful walking trails
Great birdwatching opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited signage
Muddy paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Marton Mere Nature Reserve is easily accessible, especially if you're staying at the nearby caravan park. For those driving, parking is available. If you're looking for a longer walk, you can follow paths from the mere towards Stanley Park and even past Blackpool Zoo. Reddit

Yes, parking is available at the nature reserve, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Yes, it's possible to incorporate a walk to Marton Mere as part of a larger route. Some visitors enjoy walking from the mere past Blackpool Zoo and onto Stanley Park, following maps along the route. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding entrance fees is not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, suggesting it may be free to enter. It's always a good idea to check the official website or local information points for the most current details. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not detailed in the reviews. Nature reserves are typically open during daylight hours, but it's advisable to confirm exact times if you plan a visit. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Marton Mere is a haven for birdwatchers, with many breeds roosting there such as grebes, bitterns, and stonechats. You can also spot rabbits and squirrels. Reddit

Reviews mention that the facilities on site are great, and have improved over the years. Reddit

Absolutely! Visitors have had a wonderful time taking pictures of the abundant wildlife. The bird hides also offer excellent opportunities for capturing nature shots. Reddit

Yes, if you enjoy longer walks, you can go past the mere to Stanley Park. It's a nice place for a peaceful walk and can take about 3 hours to explore the wider area. Reddit

Specific dining facilities within the nature reserve are not detailed in the reviews. However, its proximity to caravan parks and potential connections to Stanley Park might offer nearby options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The bird hides are excellent for capturing avian subjects. The various habitats, including reed beds and woodlands, offer diverse scenes for photographing wildlife like rabbits and squirrels. Reddit+1

Early mornings and late afternoons are generally best for wildlife activity and softer lighting, ideal for photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Marton Mere Nature Reserve offers a fantastic opportunity for families to connect with nature. The chance to spot rabbits and squirrels is often a hit with younger visitors, and the bird hides provide an exciting way to observe different bird species. Reddit+1 The walking paths are generally suitable for family strolls, though it's wise to be prepared for muddy sections by bringing appropriate footwear for everyone. Reddit Consider making a day of it by combining a visit to the reserve with a walk towards Stanley Park, offering more space for children to explore. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Walkers & Photographers

For those who love a peaceful walk and capturing nature's beauty, Marton Mere is ideal. The reserve's diverse landscapes provide a tranquil setting for leisurely strolls. Reddit Photographers will find plenty of subjects, from the varied birdlife in the hides to the smaller mammals scurrying through the undergrowth. Reddit Remember to bring your camera and perhaps a zoom lens for optimal wildlife shots. Be prepared for potentially muddy paths, especially after rain, and dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Wildlife Watching at Marton Mere

Marton Mere Nature Reserve is a celebrated spot for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly birdwatchers. The reserve's diverse habitats, including extensive reed beds and open water, attract a variety of avian species. Visitors have noted sightings of grebes, bitterns, and stonechats, among others. The presence of well-placed bird hides provides excellent, unobtrusive vantage points for observing these creatures in their natural environment. Beyond birds, the reserve is also home to mammals like rabbits and squirrels, adding to the richness of the ecosystem. Reddit

For the best experience, consider visiting during the quieter hours of the day, such as early mornings or late afternoons, when wildlife is often most active. The changing seasons also bring different opportunities; for instance, autumn might offer chances to see foraging animals or migrating birds. Remember to move quietly and respectfully to avoid disturbing the wildlife, enhancing both your experience and the animals' well-being. Reddit+1

Exploring the Walking Trails

The nature reserve offers a network of walking paths that wind through its varied landscapes, including grasslands, woodlands, and scrub. These trails provide a peaceful escape and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. A significant advantage is the reserve's connectivity; it's possible to embark on longer walks by following paths that lead towards Stanley Park. This extension allows for a more extensive exploration, potentially taking around three hours to complete a substantial route. Reddit

It's important to be prepared for the terrain. As noted by visitors, some areas can become very muddy, especially after rainfall. Therefore, wearing waterproof footwear like wellies or sturdy boots is highly recommended to ensure comfort and safety during your walk. Reddit Dressing in layers is also advisable, as the weather can be unpredictable. The trails are generally well-suited for a leisurely stroll, offering a chance to enjoy the fresh air and scenic surroundings. Reddit

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