WWT Martin Mere has received grants to improve the public transport routes from Burscough Bridge Station to the Martin Mere Centre along the main train route from Southport including Wigan, Bolton and Manchester.
The money will be spent on four key projects: create a well signposted trail from the station to utilise the existing public footpaths; promote the current bus service from Ormskirk Bus Station; improved signage on Burscough Bridge Station; and the creation of a cycle hire facility from the village. Martin Mere is the lead organisation in this project but the project is far wider as it aims to assist local businesses such as Brandreth Barn and Burscough Bridge Cafe in encouraging the local community to use the services on their doorstep, especially the beautiful countryside footpaths.
Centre Manager, Andy Wooldridge, said: "there are so many beautiful countryside walks in the local area that are probably not well known by the community. The aim of these grants is to encourage getting people outdoors and enjoying and utilising leisure activities on their own doorstep whilst leaving the car at home. Whether it is jumping on a train, getting the bus, hiring a bike or going for a walk; you can have a family adventure without spending a large amount of money."
The aim of the grants: Natural Tourism Demonstration Project and the Lancashire Locals Climate Change Fund, is to fund projects that aim to reduce climate change impacts and to generate environmental awareness. The Lancashire Locals Climate Change Fund is a grant fund managed by Lancashire County Council. The fund is set up to support community projects addressing climate change.
This eco-tourism project will specifically encourage the use of public transport in the region and promotes walking and cycling routes, therefore improving health and well being through recreation and leisure activities.
Steve Fowler, Tourism Development Manager at The Mersey Partnership and Chair of the Natural Tourism Steering Group commented: "I am delighted that we are able to support this innovative and exciting demonstration project. Having been selected from a strong list of entries, the project demonstrates not only the incredible strength and breadth of the natural environment on offer within the North West, but also the significant opportunities that exist through developing strong cross-sectoral partnerships that will lead to significant and sustainable benefits for the entire region."
Martin Mere is part of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands area, one of Europe's most special places for wildlife. The area supports internationally significant populations of birds. An average of 340,000 avian visitors per year make it one of the most important wetland places in Britain for migratory and breeding birds. The area's environmental significance together with its location between Merseyside and the Lake District resulted in its being recognised as a potential regional park for the North West and linking Burscough Bridge Station to Martin Mere is a key project outlined in the business plan for developing the Ribble Coast and Wetlands regional park.
The work will be done in partnership with WWT Martin Mere, Northern Rail, Community Rail Partnership, Burscough Parish Council and Friends of Burscough Bridge Station.
WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 5.30pm 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/visit/martinmere/ to find out what's on all year round at Martin Mere and the other eight centres.
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