To consider a presentation from the General Manager of WWT Martin Mere Wetlands Centre on recent projects and upcoming initiatives.
Minutes:
Consideration was given to the presentation by Nick Brooks, General Manager of the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Martin Mere Wetlands Centre, Burscough on recent projects and upcoming initiatives. The presentation was supported by a series of slides as contained on pages 107 to 121 of the Book of Reports.
The presentation opened with an explanation of the year round family-friendly visitor attraction and its contribution to the local economy. Mr Brooks reported that over 200,000 people visited Martin Mere each year and the facility provided employment for 65 people.
Information presented included reference to the wildlife viewing opportunities that brought to Martin Mere a wide range of visitors each year to see the variety of birds that migrate to or inhabit the site.
The General Manager referred to the income generated on-site at Martin Mere where a visitor averaged spending £4 per visit and contributed to the visitor economy in West Lancashire and the wider north west, through travel and overnight stays, estimated to generate £70 per visitor.
Members considered some of the projects and initiatives that were being pursued at Martin Mere. These included:
· A focus on the Whooper Swan, 3,000 of which migrate from Iceland each winter, to Martin Mere. It was stated that this event attracted many visitors and Mr Brooks went on to explain that, in consultation with Burscough Parish Council, they were looking at opportunities to promote the Whooper swan as the possible “symbol of Burscough.”
· Town twinning and educational links – developing closer links with Akureyn, Iceland.
· Linking up with the Yew Tree Farm development – creation of filtration “reed beds” that are known to attract such rare species of birds as the Bearded Tit and Marsh Harriers. It was understood that the proposed reed beds site would be the second biggest in England.
· Cycle Routes – to link Martin Mere with Burscough and the wider rural landscape of West Lancashire.
In discussion comments and questions were raised in respect of the following:
· Excavation of the “reed beds” – investment costs.
· Facilities to encourage visitors to stay overnight or visit other parts of West Lancashire – advertising events to and through Martin Mere; targeting rail, cruise and coach companies; availability of accommodation in and around the Borough.
· Linking visits to two or more tourist sites in West Lancashire.
· Opportunities to attract specialist visitors to Martin Mere – promotion of the rarer migratory birds and habitat; events in the migration period.
· Exploitation of tourist opportunities at Martin Mere – what’s on in West Lancashire
· Involvement of local schools – artwork; special environmental events.
Mr Brooks contributed to the discussion and provided clarification on the points raised in relation to his presentation.
As a result of the discussion and presentation it was concluded that initiatives that could enhance the visitor experience at Martin Mere and provide a benefit to the wider visitor economy of West Lancashire be supported.
RESOLVED: That the General Manager of WWT Martin Mere Wetlands Centre be thanked for his attendance and presentation and contribution to the Committee’s review ‘West Lancashire Tourism – The Visitor Economy’.