Last Modified February 19, 2015
Marton Mere local nature reserve is a tranquil refuge on Blackpool’s urban fringe, important for nature conservation, quiet recreation and environmental education.
The reserve is a nationally recognised Site of Special Scientific Interest for its bird populations, but it also supports a number of other nationally important species such as dragonflies, butterflies, bats and orchids.
Marton Mere, once part of the council’s rubbish tip is now a biodiversity hot spot.
The site contains a diversity of habitats including open water, reed beds, grassland as well as pockets of woodland and scrub. Visitors can enjoy the area through following the designated footpaths around the site and visiting the numerous bird watching hides.
Location
During April to September you can access the site by parking on East Park Drive or Lawson Road and enjoy a scenic walk following the way marked footpaths to the reserve entrance.
Marton Mere improvements
A scheme to renovate and enhance Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is due to start winter 2014.
The £368,000 project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fun and Veolia Landfill Trust and will enable the full refurbishment and enhancement of the reserve as well as the development of new features and facilities.
A new visitor and education centre is planned as well as bird hide upgrades, access, footpath and infrastructure improvements as well as a significant habitat works to improve the site for regionally and nationally rare plants, birds, invertebrates and mammals.
To find out more about the project contact:
Annie Heslop
Marton Mere Project Officer by emailing annie.heslop@blackpool.gov.uk or telephone 07469038520
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