Popular Bat and Barn Owl BBQs return to WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre

Popular Bat and Barn Owl BBQ events return to WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre this summer. Every Friday in August (7th, 14th, 21^st & 28th) join our reserve team and bat expert for this unique experience.

The evening starts with a barbeque at 7.30pm followed by a walk out on the Marsh to search for barn owls as they hunt across the reserve. When the sun goes down, a local bat expert will teach you how to use bat detectors to track these fascinating flying mammals as you venture back to the building. The specialist detectors are designed to amplify the sound of bats so that you can identify where they are and get a better look at them.

You will be led over rough terrain in areas that are usually out of bounds to the public and the distance covered is approximately three miles. The event will take place from 7.30pm until late (estimated 11pm) and you are advised to dress warmly, with appropriate footwear for the outdoors.

Last month the first barn owl chicks of the season hatched and the parents can frequently be seen hunting over the reserve in the early morning. It is anticipated that by August these chicks will be seen on the special Bat and Barn Owl evenings.

Reserve Manager Tom Clare said: “The Bat and Barn Owl evenings, providing a unique opportunity to search for barn owls in the wild and use a bat detector to hear enchanting bat sounds, was fully booked last year so for 2015 we have decided to hold the event every Friday in August. Early evening is a great time to spot barn owls hunting over the reserve and the bat walks are a fascinating experience.”

Tickets are £17 per person, with barbeque food included. Places are limited for this experience and must be booked in advance. To book a place please call 01704 895181 (Monday to Friday) or email info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is a haven for a host of creatures such as otters, beavers, kingfishers, geese and swans. Watch birds from the shelter of our comfortable hides, enjoy an expert walk or talk, or simply watch the world go by in our cafe overlooking our waterfowl collection – there’s plenty to do at a Wetland Centre all year round.

WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9.30am to 6pm in the summer (4.30pm during winter months) and parking is free of charge. Situated off the A59, it is signposted from the M61, M58 and M6.  The Centre is also accessible via the Southport to Manchester and the Liverpool to Preston line by train from Burscough Rail Stations.  Visit the web site http://www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere to find out what’s on all year round at Martin Mere and the other eight WWT Wetland Centres.