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The small seaside resort of Ballybunion, Kerry, has two beaches, divided by the Castle Green. The Ladies Beach is to the left and the Mens Beach to the right – names were given in a bygone age when both sexes were required to bathe on separate beaches on the orders of the local parish priest, who walked it daily ensuring the rule wasn't broken.
The year is 3016. The Gateway MagLev Space Port is now open to Space commerce.
This Gateway Security Force has been tasked with ensuring peaceful operations while deterring all evil do'ers!
male ruddy darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) holds onto the female while she ovisposits to ensure he's the daddy...
Class 87/0 87002 "Royal Sovereign" and Class 86/1 86101 "Sir William A Stanier FRS" stand at Carlisle Citadel station back in February 2012. If I remember correctly, they were on hire for winter "ice-breaking" duties, doing turns to ensure that the OLE was clear before the service trains ran.
Today I started my new job.
I shall be working from home for the foreseeable, which will take a bit of getting used to, and I'll likely have to set an alarm to wake me up each morning (having got rather used to waking up when I chose) but after such a horribly stressful last six months those are things I'm happy to accept.
Plus, it means I have an excuse to make an effort each day and to wear my heels (even if no-one appreciates it over Skype / Teams calls).
But in all seriousness, I am still SO proud of what I have been able to achieve. I just need to ensure that I work hard and prove to them that I'm invaluable.
PLEASE, NO invitations or self promotions, THEY WILL BE DELETED. My photos are FREE to use, just give me credit and it would be nice if you let me know, thanks.
At 12.9 kilometres (8 miles), the Confederation Bridge is world’s longest bridge over ice-covered water. It has won dozens of international engineering awards since its construction, and was designed to last for a century.
Engineers designed the bridge with graceful curves to ensure drivers remain attentive, and to reduce the potential for accidents that experts believe happen more often on straight highways or bridges. The highest curve at the Navigation Span reaches 60 metres above water, allowing large sea vessels, including some cruise ships, to navigate under the bridge between its piers, which stand 250 metres apart.
This two-storeyed hotel was constructed in 1885 for Brisbane publican Daniel Costigan. It replaced a previous, less substantial structure on the site, which had functioned as the Plough Inn since 1864. The new building was erected during South Brisbane's heyday and was part of the 1880s boom-time reconstruction of Stanley Street premises.
The building was designed by architect Alexander B. Wilson, who is more known for his domestic work. It was built by contractor Abraham James, whose tender of £3,300 was accepted in March 1885.
The hotel, prominently located in central Stanley Street, serviced the commercial heart of South Brisbane. Its proximity to the South Brisbane wharves ensured its popularity amongst those engaged in shipping interests.
Initially the L-shaped interior comprised on the ground floor: a central hall, staircase, dining room, two private rooms (probably for dining also), bar, parlour, storage spaces, billiard room and lavatories; the first floor contained fourteen guest rooms and a bathroom. A verandah along the back of the building connected it to a detached single-storey kitchen. A cellar completed the facilities.
The building has been altered a number of times since its initial construction. In 1922, additions were made by contractors Robertson and Corbette, following the designs of GHM Addison and Son. It is thought that the street awning was added at this time.
In 1987 the building was modified to function as a tavern during Expo '88. Most of the internal walls were removed, the central fire place, and chimney were taken out, and the interior was re-fitted. Also the front verandah was widened, the rear verandah extended, and windows and doors replaced at this time.
In 1991 - 1992 a conservation plan for the Plough Inn was prepared by Bruce Buchanan architects, and the interior was fully refurbished. The front verandah was also reconstructed.
Source: Queensland Heritage Register.
I stopped by Wright-Locke Farm today to give the goats some old bananas, given to me by a convenience store. It is difficult to ensure they each get an equal portion, but they were all happy. The extra sugars will give them energy to stay warm tonight.
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Day 4 of 30, September 2020
Robert sells his papers from 7am every morning. Standing in any weather, he ensures people get their daily dose of LEGO News!
Es algo curioso y poco conocido que los jardines aledaños a las edificaciones de los reales Alcázares de Sevilla fueron anteriormente huertos que se encontraban en la zona interna de las murallas de la ciudad, porque en caso de asedio aseguraban el suministro de alimentos, estos huertos se incorporan a las ampliaciones de los Reales Alcázares y se convierten en jardines. Las divisiones de estos adjudicados a las estancias correspondientes se hacen dejando una zona lateral de tierra sin enlosar, arriates, donde se plantan naranjos que, con un tipo de poda que introdujeron los árabes en España, actúan como enredaderas o al menos dan esa apariencia siendo naranjos que dan azahar y naranjas en primavera. Se consigue así un ornamento poco común y un perfume delicado y elegante en las noches de primavera.
The orange trees of Los Alcázares
It is something curious and little known that the gardens surrounding the buildings of the royal Alcázares of Seville were formerly orchards that were located in the internal area of the city walls, because in case of siege they ensured the supply of food, these orchards were they incorporate the extensions of the Reales Alcázares and become gardens. The divisions of these allocated to the corresponding rooms are made leaving a lateral area of land without paving, flowerbeds, where orange trees are planted that, with a type of pruning that the Arabs introduced in Spain, act like creepers or at least give that appearance being orange trees that give orange blossom and oranges in spring. This creates a rare ornament and a delicate and elegant perfume on spring nights.
File: 2008003-0004
Willen Lake, off V10 Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom. Date unknow, likely to be in May 2008.
About the photograph.
This is a guy doing cable wakeboarding. He is seen just about to get onto the jump ramp, to go up and do a jump.
Note his eyes looking at the bottom of the ramp, to ensure he gets his wakeboard onto the ramp.
No idea why he’s holding the cable with one hand, maybe the reason is to use his free arm to balance himself as he goes up the ramp.
The photographs were taken with a Minolta X-700 35mm film SLR camera, with attached Motordrive MD-1. The lens used was a Centon MC 500mm mirror lens, via a T2 adaptor.
I can’t remember which film I used, so it was either Kodak (my primary choice) or Agfa (my secondary choice).
The film was sent away for develop and printing. The digital photos were either scanned to a CD-ROM at the same time as they were printed, or I may have scanned the prints to my computer. I think the first one is highly likely.
I can’t remember the exact date I took those photographs as I lost the information. I lost the notes and journals. The digital files were moved around from computer to computer so often, that the EXIF got overwritten. Most likely could be either Sunday 4th or Monday 5th of May 2008.
The reason for either of those dates was because I was in Milton Keynes for a fan convention, which was happening during that weekend.
I was there to meet celebrities, and getting autographs from some movie and/or television actors, as well as taking photos of them. After the weekend, either on Sunday or Monday, I was on my way home. To get to the motorway, I needed to go past Willen Lake, and I was aware of cable wakeboarding activity there.
So I decided to stop by, watch the wakeboarding, and try to finish off the roll of film that was in my X-700.
About the subject.
Willen Lake is an approximately 100 acres of water, found at a 180 acres parkland, in approximately northeast-east part of Milton Keynes, not very far from Junction 14 of the M1 motorway. It is a visitor and leisure attraction, that gets about 750,000 visitors a year.
The lake included various watersports activities, including cable wakeboarding, boating, and so on.
Cable wakeboarding is like, instead of being pulled by a fast motorboat, the surfers are being pulled by an overhead cable that goes around the lake on a pully system. Somewhat similar to a poma lift at a ski resort, except that it is moving faster.
I have no idea when did this cable wakeboarding at Willen Lake started, but sadly by 1st November 2022, The Parks Trust, an organisation that owns the leisure activities, had decided to close the wakeboarding facility, as it as a loss-making activity.
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In case anyone missed it, yesterday the Supreme Court decided that employers could get out of ensuring free access to birth control because of either a "religious" or "moral" objection. For the last 20 years in America, polls have shown that only 20% or less of citizens here want abortion to be illegal and I would imagine that in terms of access to birth control pills, people are even more liberal. This is yet another way that Trump has undone Obamacare and also a way for employers to cheapen out on looking out for their employees.
If you've been following the decline in women's rights over the last four years, you will recall that we have a man in office who stole the election and actively engaged in friendships with sex traffickers like Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, liked to hang around Miss America locker rooms, has had several accusations of rape against him and has paid off prostitutes and made all kinds of threats towards women in addition to threatening to grab their genitals. (I guess that's still good enough for the religious wrong as long as they can still control women's bodies, though).
So of course, he would put in a rapist and sex predator Brett Kavanaugh himself who, when confronted with reality with those who actually wanted to hold him accountable in his nefarious actions towards Christine Blasey Ford had the proclamation of "I like beer!" as a response followed by the whining of a bunch of republicans that don't believe they should ever be held accountable for anything they do that endangers the American public after they stonewalled the perfectly decent nomination of Merrick Garland from an actually truly elected Obama who never committed treason once in 8 years unlike our current crapload of a demon who negotiated a stolen election, paid a foreign entity for "dirt" on Biden and recently sold out American soldiers because p.s. Russia is not actually our BFF.
Since Trump has been in office, states like Oklahoma have been referring to women's bodies as "hosts" and funding has been drastically cut for Planned Parenthood. We have a bunch of mainly white male politicians severely limiting access to abortions in every state and now, they are even limiting access to birth control. Who will this impact the most? Women who cannot afford to pay out of pocket and therefore definitely could not afford to have a child but of course, in the battle to just control our bodies, men aren't thinking about that (or maybe they are because they do seem to like to watch women suffer.)
In many ways, I believe that women should stop sexual intercourse with men altogether. As I am myself with a male partner and realize how difficult this is, I will say at the very least women should ensure that their partners support their reproductive rights to choose. I realize that not all men are against our rights as witnessed by the fact that there were a lot of men in attendance at these protests and I know several men in my own life who are progressive about this. Unfortunately, these men are not running for any political office.
As far as a religious or moral objection, this is not about "pro life" This is about anti-choice and trapping women. This is about saying, "Your freedom to have control over your body is worth nothing to me because you are a woman and I want to control you!" The dissenters for that Supreme Court Case? Yep, that's right, the 2 women.
So why have women continued to allow this to happen when we make up over half the population? That's a good question. Though I see positive changes, women have been kept out of running for political office in every facet-locally and nationally for so long that it is going to take some time to catch up. Women are also kept out of major corporations as big shareholders and CEOs and the amount of lobbying and dark money that goes into these things is insane.
Even more problematic, though it is changing in a positive way, women did not embrace inter-sectional feminism earlier on in the beginning of the movement. In other words, white women wanted rights for other white women. The very women I have been taught to revere like Susan B. Anthony, for example, were only looking out for themselves. By doing so, they basically doomed us all. And, it is changing. I was pleased to revisit some of my old photos of Women's Marches and even in 2017 there were many women holding BLACK LIVES MATTERS signs and that struck me as highly positive. Because, part of what I don't understand about the Black Lives Matter movement is why it took so long for people to get this outraged when I have been feeling like this for years now and it is nothing new that cops are murdering innocent people because they happened to be born with Black skin.
What we have to remember is limiting the freedom and livelihood of other human beings hurts us all. Do we want to live in a super oppressive society where rich white men continue to control these harsh policies against us? How has that worked out so far? If we want progress, we have to work together inclusively and productively. We have to join hands and embrace and show empathy towards others who may first seem unlike us but are alike in the most important of ways-aligned in our quest for human rights.
I don't know what the answer is here besides obviously voting and inclusive empathy. I hope things will change if Trump doesn't manage to steal another election after he has held rallies and not been held accountable for surges in Coronavirus infections of his base, which is just about the dumbest political strategy I've heard of yet.
Here's the news story from yesterday:
www.politico.com/news/2020/07/08/supreme-court-upholds-tr...
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Volunteers and workers strapping down the hot air balloon gondola before the full lift off. The hot air balloon in it's final stage of lift off, volunteers seen grounding the gondola to ensure enough lift for a vertical lift off, avoiding nearby balloons.
My third roll of film shot at the secure grounds. A close shot with the Pentax 67. A recent events at the Putrajaya First Hot Air Balloon Festival , held at Precinct 2, Putrajaya Core Island. The late evening sun casting long shadows for the events...a dramatic sight, and an exciting event.
PENTAX 67, Pentax SMC 105mm F2.4, Fujifilm Neopan 100, Self-Development, Ilfotec LC29, 1/19th Dilution, 8 min, Wide open
Corallorhiza maculata, the Spotted Coralroot orchid.
Corallorhiza maculata has two widespread varieties: v. maculata and v. occidentalis. In Alberta, v. occidentalis is the most common one. The two varieties are normally differentiated by the flaring of the distal portion of the lip, and generally an earlier flowering time compared to var. maculata.
I'm not 100% sure that this is an example of var. maculata.
Two things strongly suggest it: 1) this plant is about 50% open, when all the other nearby C. maculata finished about a month ago, and are maturing seed capsules; 2) the sides of the lip in these flowers are parallel, with only some slight 'ruffles' near their distal portion.
I'd be curious to hear feedback from others on this.
Finally, a note about the colour saturation and temperature. This photograph was taken in full sunlight, although with the most awful thick (forest-fire) smoke in the air. This made the sunlight orange! I had a terrible time trying to ensure the white lips looked something close to normal.
Chinook Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Alberta.
IMG_4012-rev2-maculata
Busy searching for slime moulds in Epping Forest and down flew this hornet. I read that it may have been looking for a future nest building site. It was a very dull day which helped the colour saturation but ensured high iso values.
LC Verse Batman
Bane - Bane
Banes father attempted to assassinate Ra' Al Ghul due to him leading a following of assassins which he was going to use as a personal army. The assassination attempt failed and the father and his beloved wife (pregnant at the time) were exiled to an underground prison on an abandoned island which ran illegal experimentation on the prisoners.
After a few months of imprisonment the mother died giving birth to Bane and the father continued to care for Bane. When there was a severe food shortage in the prison the father protected Bane from being cannibalised, he sacrificed himself to save Bane as long as his child's survival was ensured by a fellow prisoner who then continued to look after Bane until he was old enough to look after himself. Bane grew up in the harsh prison and began exploring it, murder became his friend and cruelty became his ally. Bane worked out everyday almost all day and became one of the most notorious prisoners, this caught the attention of the guards who began to fear him. When a revolution in the prison occurred (led by Bane) he was punished harshly by being sentenced to death. To the guards this meant being forced into the "Venom Procedure" which involved a super soldier serum being injected into the victims bloodstream granting them super strength and durability (which nobody had survived). They didn't know Bane though, Bane powered through the agonising procedure and became the only one who survived therefore granting him extreme power.
With this new power Bane broke out of the prison and let all the prisoners escape, he was then forced to jump into sea the shark infested waters later assumed to be dead when cornered by armed guards. What they didn't know however was Banes adamance to survive, Bane fought off every single shark which approached him and swam to the nearest city, Gotham City.
Bane didn't know about any other lifestyle other than the crime which he grew up with in the prison, he saw Gotham as just another prison to conquer. He began to use his powers to bring super villains to their knees and heroes to tremble in his wake, Bane rose to power in the city but was stopped by The Batman. Because of Banes mentality he was sentenced to Arkham Asylum, however he fascinated Dr. Jonathan Crane who began to teach Bane about the Venom serum he uses (this knowledge allows Bane to make his own Venom). He was then broken out when Dr. Jonathan Crane took on the 'Scarecrow' persona and became 'Nightmare', who wanted Bane as a body guard. Bane denied this position stating "I'm no henchman!" and took off.
Bane is now determined more than ever to take over Gotham and break the only man standing in his way, The Batman.
So Howard and I set off from Lancashire at 1.45am to ensure that we were on location an hour before sunrise and we were not disappointed. The low lying mist rolled in and over Tryfan on my right while the pre-sunrise colours warmed up to produce a wonderful golden glow in the distance.
Definitely well worth getting only two hours sleep before making the 240 mile return journey. What do you think? That light trail on the right is a car that was travelling towards us.
Canon 5Ds
Canon 16-35mm f4 @ 17mm
f11
30 secs
ISO100
LEE 0.6 soft edge ND grad filter
LEE Little Stopper filter
Date & Time photo took: 31st May 2016 4.06am
Gitzo GT3542XLS Tripod
Manfrotto 410 Tripod Geared Head
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Tandra Quinn (USA 1931-2016) was a model and starlet whose stunning beauty lit up the cinema screen briefly in the early 1950s, in four Hollywood films; most notably the now-cult surreal science fiction picture, Mesa of Lost Women (USA 1953).
Born Derline Jeanette Smith in South Los Angeles in the Depression, her mother was determined that her daughter would not suffer the hardship she had herself experienced in her childhood; the best way as she saw it, ensuring that her child became a successful Hollywood actress.
Derline had an auspicious start winning Number 1 Perfect Baby in America award (as declared by the Chiropractors Association); and her subsequent childhood steps into show business were fashion modelling and attending acting lessons with the Meglin Kiddies, a famous drama studio for children.
However, even before these early curtain calls, Derline had suffered a tragic burning accident that would leave her physically and mentally ( she suffered a constant fight with depression) all her life; and ultimately undermine her confidence in her Hollywood career.
That is not to say that there was plenty of bright hope at the beginning: the startlingly pretty youngster auditioned alongside her contemporary, Elizabeth Taylor (USA 1932-2011) for the role that the 'well-connected' Taylor would win in National Velvet (USA 1944); and then had a small role as a schoolgirl in Weekend at The Wardolf (USA 1945), starring Lana Turner (USA 1921-1995).
After 20th Century Fox had signed her up to a 7 year contract, the spectre of her early tragedy reared its head, leading to her being dropped by the studio, after casting directors complained that a screen test highlighted an imbalance in her features, when photographed ( Derline had been told that the burns had hampered bone development). She was deeply hurt - but on screen there is no evidence that her beauty was marred; just evidence of the rife insensitivity and brutality of the studio system.
Happily, in 1950 she was chosen as “Goose Girl” at Hollywood Park; to 'preside over the geese in the Hollypark infield'; and as 'Goose Girl' she guested on the television show, Turf Topics, on KTTV. Publicity stills reveal her blossoming beauty.
Around this time the esteemed photographer Paul Hesse arranged an appointment for her at RKO to meet Howard Hughes. Hughes wanted her to pose in bright light while he hid behind a curtain, but she refused; and she would say in a 2006 interview, that she was probably the only girl ever to stand up Howard Hughes; known for his enticement of so many Hollywood beauties.
The road of B-movies inevitably lay ahead and interspersing modelling with acting, she tried various names including Tundra Nova, Jeanette Quinn - as she was billed in The Neanderthal Man (USA 1953), in which she played, with great sensitivity, a deaf mute - before settling on Tandra Quinn.
The irony was that in all her movie roles she had no dialogue, despite having an exquisite velvet voice which had impressed producers, to accompany her expressive beauty - and which, as can be confirmed by those who knew in her later years (including myself), endured agelessly.
Tandra Quinn crossed paths with a plethora of Hollywood stars during her brief film career; and in her last years recalled knowing Joi Lansing (USA 1928-1972), at drama school, working alongside fellow pin up model, Mara Corday (USA 1933 -), Beverly Garland (USA 1926-2008) & Helen Walker ( USA 1922-1968) in Problem Girls (USA 1953); and Dolores Fuller, Ed Wood Jr's muse (USA 1923-2011) in Girls of The Night (USA 1954). She also knew Marilyn Monroe (USA 1926-1962), with whom she shared a photographer and Rock Hudson (USA 1925-1985) & John Wayne (1905-1979) were amongst her neighbours, around 1960, whilst she lived in Newport Beach - where she would also see resident Mamie Van Doren (USA 1931-)
In 1954, she married a Beverly Hills builder Herbert Smithson ( who passed in 1995) who also taught tennis to the Hollywood Stars, including Gary Cooper (USA 1901-1961) and became a mother to two children. She then retired from films - and quite the entrepreneur, she embarked on various projects, never quite getting the right financial backing; but taking her all around the world - including to Australia and Tahiti. In the 1970s she became interested in gold mining which occupied her and her companion Phillip for the rest of her life.
As a classic Hollywood film buff I was fascinated with the B-movie, Mesa of Lost Women, which I first saw on video in the late 1990s - and was intrigued to research any of the surviving actors; especially Tandra Quinn (Derline). Research on the internet lead me to contact Derline's younger sister Loretta in California in 2005. As an artist I had created cartoon tributes featuring Derline in her heyday as Tandra Quinn ( I had even depicted her with her own Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame) - and I was eager to surprise her and hopefully uplift her.
She was delighted - though humbly bemused and incredulous that anyone would remember let alone celebrate her - which only warmed me to her all the more. She had virtually forgotten "that corny old movie" as she called it, until one day in the 1990s, she walked into a half price book & video store in Dallas, spotted the cover featuring her pin up pose and said to herself, " I guess I'll buy one". Lightly mentioning to the cashier that she was buying it "..'cause this is me" provoked much excitement - "you're kidding?!" - and he and his co-workers asked her to sign the cover of another tape of the movie, as 'Tandra Quinn'.
We quickly became firm friends, initially through long letters (she wrote in beautiful script from her Texas home…. "I came here hoping to find a cute cowboy, but…") and then later by long telephone calls - sharing care, support (we both fought depression and suffered knocks in life), our Christian faith - and laughs; always thanking God for humour. Derline had the most wicked dry sense of humour that would be accompanied by the most infectious peel of laughter.
Derline had suffered much hardship in her later years and ever wanting to lift her from a sense of worthlessness , I would always remind her that she was a beautiful piece of film history, from a Golden Era of Hollywood; forever preserved on film. She was usually dismissive and I so wanted her to receive more recognition; so with her permission I contacted film historians Tom Weaver and Alan 'Al' Doshna to tell then that I had discovered Tandra Quinn- and she agreed to wonderful revealing interviews with them, respectively in 2006 and 2015.
Tom Weaver's interview, conducted both through a meeting and telephone calls was first published in Starlog (Issue 365 - May 2008); then again ( with a 'Tandra Quinn today' photograph, showing the former actress as a voluptuous blonde) in his book of Hollywood interviews, I Talked With a Zombie (McFarland & Co. Inc, 2009). Alan Doshna's interview, conducted by phone and in writing containing even more revelations from Derline's film past was published in FilmFax (No.141 - Summer 2015).
Tandra Quinn is forever preserved on celluloid but the lady behind the starlet was so much more: she was a loving, caring, generous, compassionate, often ingenious and feisty human being. She had an extraordinary knowledge of health foods and was an advocate for alternative therapies (although her one personal vice was sugar - "I'm an ice cream & cookies gal!") and a great passion for fighting against injustice . She also protested against cruelty to animals in which she took an active part in highlighting in no uncertain terms, when she tentatively joined Facebook in 2011; at the encouragement of her niece.
Derline and I sadly never got to meet in person - though our hearts most definitely met and bonded. I am completing and posting this tribute on what would be the 73rd birthday of my late beautiful mother Marjorie J. Whatley (1943- 1981), about whom Derline showed so much interest; and compassionate care for me, in my early bereavement
Whilst Derline had deteriorating health problems, she hid from everyone - including her sister - how widespread the cancer was becoming, that claimed her life on October 21, 2016. She passed away peacefully in Florida as she wished (" I'm an ocean gal!" she shared) supported by her son Scott.
I was naturally distressed to hear this past August that she had been admitted to hospital as an emergency - and with prayers, painted this portrait tribute ( photographed just after completion), primarily inspired by her role of Tarantella in Mesa of Lost Women (USA 1953), for which she was most known; determined that it would be painted in her lifetime. Two months later Derline was released from her trial of suffering.
I was deeply honoured to know Derline as my dear friend; though as a film fan I would I have loved a dedicated photograph I never wanted to bother her( I have a treasured batch of letters) - so I conclude this tribute with the inscription Tom Weaver arranged for Tandra Quinn to write in the cover page of his book in 2009:
" To my dear Sir Stephen ~ This one of Tom's Zombies has awakened to send her love! ~ Tandra Quinn (your Derline)"
Peace.
See the complete portrait here:
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/29235992841/in/date...
Stephen B. Whatley, November 18, 2016.
Tandra Quinn. 2016
Oil on canvas
20 x 16in/51 x 40.6cm
A classy business train dressed in Armour Yellow runs west along the Erie Railroad's former Main Line through Sloatsburg, NY. This unusual visitor to the east coast is on its way to Harriman Station for a special excursion event being hosted for employees and executives of Brown Brother Harriman Bank.
A unified effort from Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, NJ Transit and Metro-North ensured this train could run this trip with its own power and with as little delay as possible to both the excursion and scheduled freight and commuter trains. Norfolk Southern fitted both of the UP SD70ACes with PRR style cab signals to allow the UP power to lead on NS and NJT property. They also provided manpower and yard storage to prepare the train for its Sunday run. NJ Transit and Metro-North ensured there would be no conflicting traffic west of Harriman, NY to allow the planned dinner event to unfold exactly as planned.
I was fortunate enough to be able to provide some planning assistance to the Union Pacific team working this train as well as NS photographer Casey Thomason with some advice on locations along NJ Transit that the train could be photographed.
Even though my role was minimal at best, being given the chance to get involved in some of the planning and organization of this trip was certainly one of the highlights of my railroad career. The three days total that this train was in New Jersey was a great experience and some really good people were associated with making this highly unusual trip run as smoothly as possible.
NS 066 @ NY-17, Sloatsburg, NY
UP SD70AH 1943 "Spirit of Union Pacific"
UP SD70AH 9082
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Opening times
Open 7 days a week, except 25 December
Winter (27 October to February)
9.30am to 5.00pm
Early Closing on 24 December (last admission 2pm)
Summer (March to 27 October)
9.30am to 5.30pm
Facilities
Eating
The brand new Mere Side cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold food, a variety of coffees and chilled drinks, and tempting home-made cakes. From healthy vegetarian salads to hearty meat dishes, all can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful wetlands.
Small Breakfast menu available from 10am -11.30am. Hot food served from 11.45am - 2.30pm.
Shopping
The gift shop stocks a wide range of wildlife books, outdoor clothing, bird feeders/boxes, postcards and stationary, children’s gifts and souvenirs of your visit to the centre, including a unique range of products featuring the artwork of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott.
There is also an In Focus optics shop at the centre selling everything you will ever need to watch wildlife – from budget binoculars starting at around £15 to deluxe telescopes at over £1000. In Focus is the ideal place to get honest, friendly advice about buying your first pair of binoculars and test them in what must be the best location anywhere in the North West of England.
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Visitor information and associated terms and conditions of entry
We hope you have a great day with us. Our Wetland Centres are designed to give you an unforgettable experience getting close to nature. Your safety is paramount, as is the safety of the wildlife that visits or lives at our Wetland Centres. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, we have terms and conditions of entry that everyone needs to observe.
1. Visitors are asked to respect the habitats and wildlife of the centre by keeping to the paths and defined tracks at all times and keeping loud noise to a minimum as this may cause stress to wildlife.
2. Contrary to popular belief, birds should not be fed bread as they cannot digest it. Please feed them grain instead - you will be able to purchase grain at centres where feeding is permitted.
3. Please ensure that children are supervised at all times and please be aware that some of our ponds and lakes are deep. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Safety signs are there for your protection - please obey the signage and do not attempt to go beyond any enclosure barriers. Please do not: Climb on any trees or shrubs
Prune or pick any flowers or vegetation
Enter any water body
5. The last admission to the Centre is 30 minutes prior to the advertised closing time.
6. Due to the limited availability of car parking spaces, vehicles may only be left for the duration of the visit to the centre.
7. Mobility scooters are very welcome on site. For more information on what we offer for people with disabilities, please see www.wwt.org.uk/visit/visit/accessibility/
8. Unfortunately we can't allow dogs or pets of any kind on site, with the exception of assistance dogs on duty, as our wildlife may become distressed. Assistance dogs must be kept on the lead and under control and harnesses must state "working or assistance dog". Please ensure any dog waste is removed. If any of our birds/animals behaviour is affected by the presence of your dog, we may have to ask you to move away from the area.
9. So we don't distress our wildlife, we do not allow the following on site: Scooters, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates/blades/wheelies or skateboards
Barbecues
Footballs or frisbees
10. Pond dipping is not allowed on our wildlife reserve ponds. This is to prevent the spread of invasive non-native plants and the chytridiomycosis disease which affects amphibians. Pond dipping in the grounds may only be undertaken with equipment provided by WWT.
11. In accordance with UK law smoking is prohibited in all buildings (including hides). Visitors who wish to smoke are asked to consider the welfare and comfort of other visitors, especially children, by not smoking in or around picnic areas, play areas or areas where children's activities are being held. In periods of extreme dry weather WWT reserves the right to designate the whole site non-smoking in order to reduce the risk of fire.
12. Photography is permitted on site for personal use only. All commercial/stock library photography, filming, recording, etc. must be agreed in advance with the centre. Please contact Nick Brooks on 01704 891 227 for any commercial filming or photographic enquiries.
13. WWT reserves the right to ask for additional identification to aid proof of membership.
2013 admission prices
Prices are shown inclusive of Gift Aid and without. The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation, which enables us to claim the tax back as part of the Government's Gift Aid scheme. For further information on Gift Aid click here.
Pricing
Adult
Gift Aid £11.10
No Gift Aid £10.09
Concession (65+, full-time students, unemployed)
Gift Aid £8.20
No Gift Aid £7.45
Child (4-16 years)
Gift Aid £5.40
No Gift Aid £4.91
Family (2 adults and 2 children, 4-16 years)
Gift Aid £29.80
No Gift Aid £27.09
Children (under 4 years) Free Free
Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors Free Free
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre has the following facilities:
Free accessible car parking provision – 2 designated spaces
Trained assistance dogs welcome
Hearing induction loop in reception
Maps can be enlarged, please ask ahead of your visit
Manual wheelchair available to loan
The paths around the site are level access
Roaming volunteers, grounds and reception staff on hand if you require assistance
There is step-free entry to all our hides
Accessible toilets
Restaurant staff are friendly and helpful and will carry trays to the table if required
Pond-dipping with station for wheelchair-users
Accessible boat safari – maximum 2 manual wheelchair-users per trip
Waterplay – accessible (boardwalks / gravel) for children using wheelchairs
Eco Garden – a great sensory experience
In addition we have friendly and helpful staff, so if you need restaurant staff to carry a tray to your table or help open a gate – please just ask!
Eat, drink, refresh
The visitor centre is the heart of Martin Mere and the central place to find information on what to see, to buy seed to feed to the birds, to browse our retail shop and to eat (at the Mere Side Cafe).
The Mere Side Cafe has a selection of hot and cold food, sandwiches, cakes and drinks. Childrens boxes are available as well as high chairs and the option to heat up a baby's bottle. Additionally in the building there are disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.
The building has six indoor rooms where there’s always plenty to see and do in the warmth. Films will often be shown in our theatre about beavers or swans and there is a free activity room where families can play and learn in comfort.
The main foyer is home to a bio-diversity exhibition that was kindly donated to us to allow us to have an interactive display promoting the diversity of nature and life. The exhibition has a mixture of touch screen displays, hand held objects, an introductory DVD and large displays to read and learn about bio-diversity.
In addition, at weekends and during holidays there is another craft room where children can design then purchase crafts such as badges, pencil cases and themed activities depending on the season.
Shopping
Gift shop
The retail shop has a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs from small gifts for children to jewellery and display items, as well as a bird care and book area.
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In Focus shop
Established over 30 years ago, In Focus are the UK’s leading binocular and telescope specialists.
The In Focus shop at Martin Mere has arguably the best testing facilities for binoculars and telescopes in Britain, and carries an extensive range of binoculars and telescopes from beginners’ compacts for £15 to top end kit.
They also stock tripods, hide clamps, digiscoping kits and a wide range of bird watching accessories.
All of the In Focus staff are expert birders who work commission-free to give non-biased advice about choosing binoculars and telescopes. All sales support WWT’s conservation work.
If you wish to visit In Focus but not Martin Mere, you pay the admission price and this can be refunded when you leave if you get your receipt stamped by a member of staff at In Focus.
Group visits
What is there for groups?
Martin Mere Wetland Centre provides a perfect destination for groups, from keen wildlife enthusiasts, photographers or conservation and environmental groups to those just wanting a relaxing day out.
There are beautiful walks around the grounds where you can view birds from around the world, and a nature trail with ten lookout hides from which to watch wildlife throughout the seasons, including summer wading birds and the wintering swans and geese. We also have a visitor centre with spectacular views across the Swan Lake and we have a gift shop and the Mere Side Cafe, which serves food and drinks.
You are welcome to visit at your leisure but for those wanting a little more structure we offer guided walks tailored to your group’s requirements.
Activities
A range of seasonal guided tours and events are available to groups year round at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Tours are priced at £10 and must be pre-booked.
Among those available are duckling nursery tours in the spring, summer waders walks in the summer and swan feeds in the winter. Guided tours of the waterfowl gardens and a community reedbed walk are also run year-round.
Contact the centre to find out which events
will be available when you visit.
Benefits for groups
Reduced entry prices for groups of 12 or more (payable as one payment on arrival)
Free familiarisation visit for the group leader
Complimentary admission for group organiser
Free coach parking
Free entry for the coach driver
Voucher for use in the Coffee Shop for the driver
Guided tour available for small additional cost for groups that have pre-booked
Meet and greet with complimentary welcome pack
Group admission prices 2012
Free to WWT members
The following discounted rates apply to groups of 12 or more:
Adult: £9.50
Concession: £7.00 (over 65 years, full-time students, unemployed)
Child: £4.60 (4-16 years)
No deposit is required and groups will be asked to pay at the admissions desk on the day of visit.
Accessibility
The centre has level access and hard-surfaced paths with tarmac on main routes (and compacted gravel on minor paths)
All hides are accessible to wheelchairs
Low-level viewing windows and level access to ground floor bird hides.
Free wheelchair loan
Trained assistance dogs only (i.e. Guide dogs). No other dogs permitted
Accessible toilets in car-park and throughout the visitor centre
Free car parking on site. Tarmac surface and reserved bays for disabled visitors
Making a booking
For further information or to make a group booking, please contact Belinda on 01704 895181, or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
School visits
At WWT Martin Mere we provide unique and unforgettable learning experiences for schools.
To find out more about what’s on offer for you and your pupils,
Venue hire
If you would like to hire a room at Martin Mere call Belinda on 01704 891238 or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk for further information or to obtain a quote.
The centre can be hired during the day for corporate meetings or conferences, or in the evening for functions. Rooms can also be hired for children's birthday parties.
Children's parties are available at the following prices:
Children under the age of 4 is £6.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ration of 1 adult free per 3 children).
Children aged 4 - 12 is £8.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ratio of 1 adult free per 5 children)
Lunches boxes can also be purchased for £3.95 per child and they include a sandwich, fruit drink, crisps and a piece of fruit
Rooms available to hire:
Meeting Room - Maximum of 15 delegates
Lecture Theatre - Maximum of 100 delegates
Half of Greenwood Building - 20 to 30 delegates
Full Greenwood Building - Maximum of 60 delegates
How to find us
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Martin Mere Wetland Centre is located six miles from Ormskirk and 10 miles from Southport. It is easily accessible by public and private transport.
WWT Martin Mere is now offering a scheme where visitors who travel to the Centre without a car can receive discount entry on admission.
The reduced admission prices are:
Adult: £9.50
Child: £4.60
Concession: £7.00
By car
Situated off the A59, the Centre is signposted from junction 8 on the M61, junction 3 on the M58 and junction 27 on the M6. It is free to park at the Centre.
By rail
There are three railway stations in close proximity to Martin Mere: Burscough Bridge Interchange (on the Southport - Manchester line) is approximately two miles, New Lane (on the Southport – Manchester line) is approximately 0.8 miles and Burscough Junction (on the Liverpool to Preston line via Ormskirk) is approximately three miles.
Visit: www.traveline-northwest.co.uk for details of North West timetables and journey planner.
By foot
Martin Mere has created a new trail from Burscough Bridge Interchange. The well signposted two mile trail is along local footpaths and includes walking over agricultural land so may not be suitable for prams or wheelchairs. It is also advised to wear good walking boots. The trail begins from behind the Manchester platform at Burscough Bridge Interchange and incorporates local tea rooms and the new Martin Mere reedbed walk. The signs are made out of recycled plastic.
Please be aware that at certain times of the year, summer in particular, the footpath can become overgrown in certain places and it is advised to call the Centre prior to walking it at this time of year. If the path at the station is overgrown you can use an alternative route: Walk down the side of the house on the platform and turn left onto the road, turning left down Moss Nook Road. At the top of Moss Nook Road you walk straight ahead onto the public footpath and you will pick up the fingerposts to Martin Mere.
If there is an issue with the signage on this walk please call Martin Mere on 01704 891220
If there is an issue with the footpath i.e. overgrown or litter, please call Burscough Parish Council on 01704 894914
Click here for information on the Countryside Code
Hire a bike
The Martin Mere Wetland Centre welcomes cyclists as an environmentally friendly and pleasant way to arrive at the centre.
Jack Parker Cycles, in partnership with Martin Mere, now offer cycle hire from the Burscough shop. The hire fleet consist’s of a selection of gent’s, ladies, boys & girls junior bikes all fitted with puncture proof tires, also child seats & tag along bikes are available. All persons hiring will be supplied with helmets, locks and a map of area.
The costs to hire are £8.00 per bike and £4.00 for child seats and tags. All bikes must be booked in advance by telephone on 01704 892442 or by calling into the shop at 62 - 64 Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 4BY
Cycle stations are located at Burscough Wharf, Burscough Fitness and Racquets Centre and The Ship Inn in Lathom.
All you need to hire a bike is your mobile phone and a debit or credit card and cycle hire is from £1 per hour
Minimum 6 hour initial purchase required however this can be carried forward to your next hire until your membership expires.
Top up your account with more hours anytime either through the website or by calling our automated number 01704 340025.
Thirty day temporary memberships are instantly available when you hire a bike however you can upgrade or pre-join on our website.
Easy to follow instructions are available at all stations.
You are able to hire at one station and leave your bike at another (specific locations only).
Check our website for locations of other cycle hire centres or to check if bikes are available at your chosen station
Further information on bike hire and how to travel without a car around Sefton and West Lancashire, please click on the following link: www.visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk
The Centre is situated on two cycle routes in West Lancashire: the New Lane Circuit (approximately 23.5 miles) and A Grand Tour of West Lancashire (approximately 37.8 miles). Details of the routes can be found at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/cycling/pdf/West%20lanc...
By coach
The centre has parking facilities for large coaches. Parking is free for coaches bringing visitors to the centre.
By air
Manchester Airport is just an hour drive from the Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Manchester Airport Train Station is on the Southport to Manchester train line, providing a direct route to New Lane Train Station, 0.8 miles from the Centre.
WWT's environmental policy
WWT is committed to environmental excellence and the continuous improvement of our environmental performance as part of our overall goal of implementing the pronciples of sustainability in all areas of work.
We recognise that many of our activities have some negative impact on the local, regional, national and global environment. As a consequence, we aim to conduct our business and operations in a way that minimises this impact and mitigates for it whenever possible, reflecting sustainable practices. Specifically we endeavour to:
Review all activities, operations and procedures to identify, quantify and evaluate environmental impact.
Set priorities and targets for environmental improvements in key areas, such as water, waste and energy.
Measure improvements against targets and report progress annually.
Adopt a philosophy of 'reduce, re-use and recycle' in our use of resources, and minimise the environmental impacts associated with our activities.
Meet or exceed all statutory regulations and approved codes of practice on the environment at all locations where possible.
Set our own standards and targets where no relevant Government regulation or code of practice exists.
Incorporate environmental responsibilities and sustainable practices into job descriptions, staff training and appraisals.
Raise awareness of environmental issues amongst staff and volunteers, and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable practices.
Communicate the value of environmental awareness and sustainability to members, supporters and local communities.
Encourage third parties, particularly suppliers and receivers of goods and services, to adopt environmental standards comparable to those of WWT.
Adopt a policy of sale and purchase of goods and services that minimises negative environmental impacts where possible.
Invest in accordance with our environmental policies and regularly review investments to ensure that they do not conflict with the Articles of the Trust.
Implement an environmental action plan to support our environmental policy.
Martin Mere visitor code
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we have an impact.
There are many ways in which you can get involved during your visit to help look after our beautiful area and ensure it is just as special on your next visit. This will also support our commitment to sustainable tourism.
1. Why not get out of the car - walking, riding and cycling are great ways to explore the area without adding to the traffic and you'll find there are fantastic places to visit right on your doorstep!
2. Stay local, eat local, buy local and see local - Lancashire has gained a reputation for fine food and local produce, so why not seek out famers' markets, village stores, pubs and cafes and make a real difference to the local communities.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - support us in our efforts to reduce waste.
4. Switch off... and save energy - in rural Lancashire you can see the stars at night! Help us reduce energy use and C02 emissions by switching off lights and standby buttons when you don't need them. Help us reduce water consumption by using just the water you need.
5. Follow the Countryside Code - the Countryside Code reminds us all to protect, respect and enjoy: look after plants and animals, take litter away; leave gates and property as you find them; keep dogs under close control; and consider other people.
Kurdish encampment outside the city of Diyarbakır in eastern Turkey. Shot during an extended holiday in the summer of 1993. For most of the time we were accompanied by a local "guide" who admitted that he had been sent by government authorities to ensure our "safety". [Image scanned from a transparency.]
One of the features of the Sk8 Park in Grimsby, Ontario is a group of small billboard-style panels specifically intended to host the artistic expressions of those visiting the site. As a result, graffiti is encouraged in places that are acceptable. Furthermore, periodic cleanup of the panels by town staff ensures regular refreshment of the subject matter. This image was taken in mid-February, the dead of Winter, so the snow-covered park was not in regular use and had not been for several months. The last round of painting had been ignored, likely waiting for Spring to get a refresh, with the consequence being the multiple layers of paint had weathered and flaked off leaving colourful abstracts when viewed up close. This section features and area with yellow and green patches. - JW
Date Taken: 2019-02-21
Taken using a hand-held Nikon D7100 fitted with an AF-S DX Nikkor 12-24mm 1:4 lense set to 12mm, Daylight WB, ISO100, Program mode, f/8.0, 1/250 sec. PP in free open Source RAWTherapee from Nikon RAW/NEF source file: set final image width to 9000px, adjust Tone Curve 2 in parametric mode by darkening the ‘Darks’ and ‘Lights’ slightly, enable HDR Tone Mapping and apply a light amount of HDR, enable Shadows/Highlights and recover highlights just enough that the ‘white’ areas of paint show detail/texture, boost contrast and Chromaticity in L-A-B mode, set White Balance to Daylight (5300K), boost Vibrance, sharpen (edges only), save. PP in free Open Source GIMP: increase overall contrast, fine tune overall tonality using the Tone Curves tool, sharpen, save, scale image to 6000px wide, sharpen slightly, save, add fine black-and-white frame, add bar and text on left, save, scale image to 2048px wide for posting online, sharpen slightly, save.
On Sunday 25th September 2021 we were invited by friends to go to the classic car show which is held at the local cricket club. (Thankfully they didn’t ask me to bowl!)
The cricket ground hosts this show every year and they had in the region of 180 cars this time round.
A wide selection of cars and (I think) the oldest car was an Austin Seven Chummy from 1923.
There were lots of really nice cars on display though a few weren’t really from the classic era and were too young. But even those were fun to see and maybe one day might be a classic!
The early morning was overcast and much better for taking pictures because a dull day ensures no harsh shadows. But the sun did come out late morning and then it became a bit more difficult to take photos because of the reflections.
It was a fun day and we might even go there again in the future. If you’ve read this far I hope enjoy the pictures and find a car you like!
They know when to build a new nest. Tender leaves ensure the nest lasts longer. It is easy to bend and sew/glue them together.
The town of Terowie was established in the early 1870s as a service centre for northbound traffic. Terowie owes its birth to one man, John Aver Mitchell; and its subsequent growth and success to its position on a major South Australian transport route, and later, to its important position within the South Australian rail network. John Aver Mitchell (1833 - 1879) is widely acknowledged to be the founder of Terowie. He and his family arrived in South Australia in 1847, and settled in the Marrabel area. Mitchell turned his hand to many things and lived in many places, including Kapunda and Hallett, before establishing himself in the Terowie area.
In 1872, Mitchell selected Section 158 from the recently proclaimed Hundred of Terowie. This land had previously been part of McCulloch's Gottlieb's Well sheep run, the lease of which had been resumed by the Government and opened for credit selection. Mitchell planted wheat on his land, but soon turned to other ideas for a livelihood. The growing amount of northward traffic passing through his section required services, and he is believed to have established an underground store or possible sly-grog shop at the side of the track as early as 1872.
He soon built two substantial stone buildings close to one another, the Hotel which was licensed on the 7th of May 1874; and a chapel which probably served a variety of functions including as a general meeting place. The hotel and chapel are considered to be Terowie's earliest buildings, but it was not long before a smithy and store were also constructed near the hotel. To ensure the growth and success of his infant town, Mitchell donated land and money for a school and a Methodist Chapel, both of which were erected in 1877.
The fact that the young town of Terowie offered much needed services to the northward traffic, as well as to the growing number of local settlers, secured its future prosperity. By the end of the 1870s over 500 people had settled in the town. Subsequent fluctuations in population had two main causes: the times of depression which affected local production, state-wide production and hence local services; and the rise and fall of railway operations, which reached high points in the 1880s (with the Silverton/Broken Hill Traffic), the 1940s (Military manoeuvres) and the 1950s (Leigh Creek Coal). The 1970 bypassing of the Terowie break-of-gauge sounded the death knell for the town's prosperity.
This history, of massive boom and prosperity in the 1880s, but then a subsequent dip in popularity followed by later peaks of a similar height has, to a large extent, dictated the face of Terowie today. Almost all of the buildings in the core of the town were constructed before the turn of the century. Lack of a steadily rising population led to there being no necessity for new buildings to be built after the 1880s, as the old ones were built during a wave of optimism, and then rarely outgrown.
Therefore, within the core of the town, very few twentieth century buildings have been built, and few modern alterations and additions have been required. Terowie survives as a fascinating nineteenth century commercial and residential time capsule. However, it is also a living town, with a small number of interested residents trying to retain their unique heritage.
Source: Department for Environment & Heritage, District Councils of Mount Remarkable, Orroroo/Carrieton & Peterborough, Regional Council of Goyder, Northern Areas Council, and Port Pirie Regional Council "HERITAGE OF THE UPPER NORTH - Volume 2 - Regional Council of Goyder "
De Muide is a district in Ghent that changed from a village into an urban industrial area when the Ghent-Terneuzen canal was dug in the second quarter of the 19th century. It was characterised by an ever-growing port infrastructure and industrial activity.
In the second half of the 20th century, the decline came as the port moved further north.
This downward spiral was reversed as the district was systematically refurbished. Young families and creative people began to find the district attractive again and brought a new élan to it.
Here too, the City of Ghent has ensured that part of the city's industrial heritage is preserved and incorporated into the new environment.
Whilst the rest of the country basked in glorious sunshine parts of the Yorkshire coast was under a sea fog or locally known as sea fret. Sadly, it did not lift. It was a bit disappointing as it was my first visit here in 5 years!!!
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/index.aspx
Top things to do in Summer
1.Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the miraculous seabird spectacle at the peak of the breeding season
2.The surrounding fields are bejewelled by glorious red campion flowers
3.Enjoy a bite to eat in the family-friendly picnic area
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/about.aspx
A family favourite, and easily the best place in England to see, hear and smell seabirds! More than 200,000 birds (from April to August) make the cliffs seem alive – with adults bringing food to their nests, or young chicks making their first faltering flights.
With huge numbers to watch, beginners can easily learn the difference between gannets, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes and fulmars. The easily recognisable puffins (here between April and July) are always a delight. Specially-created cliff top viewpoints are wheelchair accessible with care.
You can watch our 200,000 seabirds LIVE on CCTV through the breeding season from March to October. Meet our information assistants and hear about the live action, watch it for yourself on our two TV screens and enjoy the close-up images of our nesting gannets.
Opening times
The reserve is open at all times. From March to October, the visitor centre is open daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm, and from November to February, 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Entrance charges
Entry is free of charge to members all year. There's a charge for non-members of £5 per car, minibus £8 and coach £10.
If you are new to birdwatching...
The birds are easy to see during breeding season - creating a fantastic seascape and bird spectacle. Only eight target seabird species breed here, so learning to identify birds is simple. In winter, common passerines (buntings, sparrows and finches) and short-eared owls (vary in numbers from one year to next) can be seen and identified.
Information for families
Reserve already popular with families. Various family events included in our programme throughout the year. Backpack Activity days very popular.
Information for dog owners
Dogs are welcome on the reserve, however they must be kept on leads at all times. This is to ensure that ground nesting birds are not disturbed, and also to ensure the safety of dogs on the cliff top.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/star_speci...
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Gannet
Look for stunning gannets cruising around at the base of the cliffs and fishing out to sea by rising up into the air before plunging in headfirst with their wings close.
Kittiwake
Visit Bempton in spring and early summer and your ears will be filled with the unmistakable 'kitti-wake' calls of this dainty gull. Look along the cliffs to see them packed onto their tiny nesting ledges.
Puffin
Enjoy the comical antics of puffins in spring and early summer from the viewing points on the cliffs. Watch the adults returning from fishing forays at sea with sandeels hanging from their colourful beaks.
Short-eared owl
Short-eared owls can be seen hunting over the clifftop grassland here in winter. The afternoons are a good time to spot them banking and gliding just above the ground; their piercing yellow eyes scanning for voles moving in the grass below.
Tree sparrow
Flocks of tree sparrows can be seen in the cliff top fields and are regular visitors to the feeding stations. Listen out for their conversational calls - a hard and piercing 'tek'.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/seasonal_h...
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Breeding seabirds start to return, including gannets, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, herring gulls and shags. Farmland birds such as skylarks, tree sparrows, linnets, meadow pipits, reed and corn buntings can be seen. There are normally short-eared owls and peregrines to be seen too. Migratory birds include arriving wheatears and various warblers, while over-wintering thrushes can be seen on the reserve before moving back into mainland Europe. Porpoises can often be seen on calm days while early morning visits may provide sightings of roe deer.
Summer
Breeding season is in full swing with all 200,000 seabirds with eggs or chicks. Breeding tree sparrows, whitethroats, grasshopper warblers, sedge warblers, skylarks, linnets, reed buntings, rock and meadow pipits can be seen within 200 m of the visitor centre and car park. A moderate range of the commoner butterflies may be seen on sunny days, along with day-flying moths such as cinnabars, burnet moths and occasionally hummingbird hawk-moths. Trailside flora is dominated by red campion, black knapweed, various thistles and orchids including common spotted, northern marsh and pyramidal.
Autumn
All seabirds departed and breeding finished except for gannets. The autumnal migration can be exciting at Bempton owing to its coastal location and being on a headland. Short-eared owls begin to arrive to stay for the winter (depending on food availability) but the main interest is in the arrival of migrants such as willow warblers, chiffchaffs, whitethroats, lesser whitethroats, reed warblers, sedge warblers, goldcrests, stonechats, whinchats, wheatears and redstarts. Scarce species occur annually such as red-backed shrikes, and barred and icterine warblers. October is peak time to witness the winter thrush arrival, often hundreds of redwings, blackbirds, song thrushes and fieldfares occur along with occasional ring ouzels. Offshore, movements of seabirds may be seen in ideal weather conditions (strong NW winds). These include Manx and sooty shearwaters, Arctic and great skuas. Around the car park area migrant hawker and common darter dragonflies can be seen. There is little botanical interest at this time of year.
Winter
This is normally a quiet time of year. Bracing clifftop walks and fantastic seascapes are probably the best in Yorkshire. Up to 12 short-eared owls winter here, though in poor 'vole' years there may only be a few. The bird feeding station offers food and shelter to a range of commoner species such as tree sparrows (110 have been counted), greenfinch (60), and smaller numbers of blackbirds, robins, dunnocks, wrens, chaffinches, bramblings and various tit species. The cliff face attracts very few birds except for occasional herring gulls and fulmars, but by January gannets will return in good numbers with occasional days of guillemots in good numbers too.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/facilities...
Facilities
Facilities
•Visitor centre
•Information centre
•Car park : Car park has no height restrictions. Cycle rack available close to visitor centre.
•Toilets
•Disabled toilets
•Picnic area
•Binocular hire
•Live camera
•Group bookings accepted
•Guided walks available
•Remote location
•Good for walking
•Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
Five cliff-top viewpoints and a bird feeding station. The five viewpoints are:
Grandstand: 200 m from visitor centre/car park, accessible by wheelchairs/pushchairs with care
Bartlett Nab: 400 m from visitor centre/car park and not easily accessible by wheelchairs/pushchairs
Jubilee Corner: 900 m from visitor centre/car park, not easily accessible by wheelchairs/pushchairs
New Roll-up: 500 m from visitor centre/car park, not easily accessible by wheelchairs/pushchairs
Staple Newk: 900m from visitor centre/car park, not easily accessible by wheelchairs/pushchairs.
The bird feeding station is easily accessed, 50 m from visitor centre/car park.
Nature trails
There are two nature trails. The first nature trail leading to five cliff-top viewpoints. The most distant viewpoints are 900 m from the visitor centre. Part of the trail is crushed chalk, with the remainder over worn grass. There is easy wheelchair and pushchair access to one viewpoint only. Paths can be wet and slippery following wet weather conditions, therefore care should be taken. The discovery trail is a shorter farmland walk.
Refreshments available
•Hot drinks
•Cold drinks
•Snacks
•Confectionery
Shop
The shop stocks:
•Binoculars and telescopes
•Books
•Bird food
•Gifts
Educational facilities
The Bempton Field Teaching Scheme operates throughout the year and offers exciting educational opportunities linked with the National Curriculum. The busiest time is from May to July, when breeding seabirds are at their peak. The scheme provides a unique opportunity to discover breeding seabirds, such as gannets and puffins, as well as investigating the challenging habitats in this fantastic coastal location. A truly memorable experience!
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/accessibil...
Accessibility
26 October 2012
This is a Summary Access Statement. A full access statement is available to download from this page
Before you visit
•Clear print leaflet available on request
•Free parking for members. Parking charge for non members. Free parking for carer or essential companion
•Registered Assistance Dogs welcome
•Check accessibility for events and activities
•Wheelchair free of charge to hire. Pre-booking advised
•Live footage on TV in Visitor Centre
How to get here
•Bempton railway station is 1.25 miles away
•The nearest bus stops are on the main B1229 through the village, around 1 mile from the reserve
•No pavement on road to reserve
Car parking
•Four blue badge parking spaces 10 m (13 yards) from the visitor centre on bound gravel and paved path
•60 spaces in main car park, is a short walk to the main entrance of the visitor centre
•Overflow with 60 spaces on grass
•The path surface from the overflow car park is crushed limestone on exiting the field and after 20 m (26 yards) joins the path from the coach drop-off point (see below)
•Drop-off point 50 m (60 yards) from the visitor centre with a crushed limestone surface with a 1:10 sloped descent
•No lighting or height restrictions.
Visitor centre
Situated on ground floor level with step free access. Live footage on TV from the colony. Four circular tables with seating. Outside when weather is fine. Tiled floor surface. Artificial and natural lighting. Access ramp leads to reserve.
Nature trails
The reserve offers visitors a mixture of trails. A mix of bonded tar-spray chip, crushed limestone or mown grass. Most trails are a minimum of 1200mm/47ins wide and the majority lead to the cliff top viewing points (see Viewing Facilities below).
Viewing facilities
Five built viewpoints along the cliff top path, most have seats. In the Visitor Centre there is live footage on TV of the colony. From car park to exit is The Dell - good for small migrant birds - with a narrow grass path with inclines to and from two seats. A bird feeding station is off the path between the coach park and visitor centre.
Toilets
There are toilets and an accessible toilets outside the visitor centre, with level access to all. Note there are no toilet facilities beyond the visitor centre.
Catering
A servery with a hatch facing outside the visitor centre offering hot and cold beverages, snacks and ice creams. Hatch is 900 mm (36 inches) from the ground.
Shop
The shop is within the visitor centre. Staff and volunteers can assist. There is level entry and no doors to enter apart from those at the main entrance. The shop is lit with spot lamps.
Education area
There is currently a short mown grass square to the rear of the visitor centre which serves as an outdoor classroom reached via the access ramp.
Picnic area
Seven picnic tables - four on grass and three with spaces for wheelchairs on crushed limestone surface - situated 25 m/30 yards from the visitor centre.
For more information
Bempton Cliffs
E-mail: bempton.cliffs@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01262 851179
YO15 1JF
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/directions...
How to get here
By train
Nearest railway station 200 m south of Bempton village. Exit station and turn left, follow road down to church, walk up lane adjacent to church to staggered cross-road junction. Walk across road and take the road adjacent to the White Horse public house, northwards to the reserve. Total walking distance 1.5 miles (2.4 km). Walking time 40 minutes.
By bus
Nearest bus stop in Bempton village, 1 mile (1.5 km) from the reserve. Buses will drop off at any point on request. Disembark at White Horse public house and follow road northwards up the lane to the reserve. Walking time 30 minutes.
By road
The reserve is on the cliff road from the village of Bempton, which is on the B1229 road from Flamborough to Filey. In Bempton village, turn northwards at the White Horse public house and the reserve is at the end of the road after 1 mile (follow the brown tourist signs).
Other ways to get to the reserve
Trains and buses stop at Bempton, 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the reserve. The timetables are seasonal so we advise you call the Visitor Centre for further details. Nearest ferry port in Hull and Humberside Airport in north Lincolnshire.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/b/bemptoncliffs/ourwork/in...
Management
Our Bempton Cliffs reserve, on the Yorkshire coast, protects over five kilometres of sea cliffs. From April to mid-August, these support England's largest population of seabirds. Grassland and scrub along the cliff tops are also home to breeding and wintering farmland birds.
The RSPB is managing the reserve for the benefit of its wildlife, which also includes seals and porpoises, and with a long-term view to upgrading its protection status.
Cliff-face communities
Bempton's breeding seabirds are internationally important, making the cliffs both a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area.
Species include kittiwakes, gannets, guillemot, razorbills and puffins. We have specific targets for every one: for instance, we would like to maintain a yearly kittiwake population of 43,000 nesting pairs, producing at least one young each.
During the breeding season, our cliff-top patrols help prevent disturbance by visitors and fishermen.
Leading by example
Unfortunately seabird colonies are vulnerable to environmental threats that lie beyond our control. These include climate change and industrial fishing, which affect the birds' food supplies. We aim to use Bempton to highlight these issues, so that key decision makers will take action to safeguard the long-term future of seabirds. We hope this will lead to Bempton being designated a marine Special Conservation Area.
Room at the top
The grassland and scrub at the top of the cliffs are home to farmland birds such as tree sparrows, skylarks and linnets. Short-eared owls also spend winter here.
We are cutting back scrub and harrowing grassland in order to increase the population of insects and small mammals on which all these birds feed. We also put out extra food when necessary.
Vision for visitors
The seabird spectacle at Bempton makes the reserve very popular during summer, while the farmland birds help generate interest all-year-round. We aim to continue attracting and educating people, and inspiring them to support the marine environment.
Our facilities currently include a shop, picnic area and cliff top walks. We aim to develop these, with a view to increasing numbers to 60,000 visitors per annum over the next five years.
Tracking gannets
For the first time, we're finding out where Bempton's gannets go when they're away from the colony.
RSPB scientists have fitted satellite tags to a number of adult gannets so that we can monitor where they go to catch fish. The tags are designed so that they don't hurt or hinder the birds, and they will eventually fall off when the gannets grow new tail feathers, if not sooner.
We need to find out whether the birds are using areas which the government has earmarked as potential wind farms, and how that might affect them. This information will be used to help plan where to put wind turbines at sea.
What we're doing
•Fourteen adult gannets were fitted with satellite tags in July 2010 (and another 13 in July 2011)
•In 2010 we got data from all 14 tags during the time when the gannets were rearing their chicks, and several kept transmitting data late into the breeding season
•The highest density of recorded locations at sea was within 31-62 miles (50-100 km) of Bempton Cliffs
•The greatest overlap with any of the proposed wind farm areas was with the Hornsea zone, which is nearest to Bempton
•These results are from just one breeding season, so it's unclear just how representative they are of what Bempton's gannets do. We'll monitor them again in future breeding seasons to learn more.
You can find out more about this work on the gannet tracking project page.
"For centuries, men and women have manned lighthouses to ensure the safe passage of ships. It is a lonely job, and a thankless one for the most part...In the 23rd century, this job has moved into outer space. A network of beacons allows ships to travel across the Milky Way at many times the speed of light. These beacons are built to be robust. They never break down. They never fail. At least, they aren't supposed to."
- Text description for the novel Beacon 23 by Hugh Howey.
This is my take on the beacons from Hugh Howey's novel Beacon 23 for the Space Habitat Category for Space Jam 2023. I wanted to go for a near-future aesthetic as I wanted it to be recognizably earth technology. I also liked the idea of anchoring the beacon to an asteroid to make it more visually interesting. While this isn't ring station that can take advantage is spin gravity to the fullest, I still imagined the asteroid as the center of spin and the two modules each side could have different levels of spin gravity for different experiments or living conditions. And once I imagined it spinning, I had to make it a reality.
One XL Powered up motor is heavily geared down to drive the rotation of 2 technic turntables at for gear points. This allows the beacon to complete a full revolution in a little over 30 seconds at full power. See the animation in the comment below. I designed this model entirely around this function and it took 4-5 iterations of the drive mechanics to get it to spin reliably. The overall model with the stand weighs 9 lbs (4 kg), and yes it's over 100 studs across (accidental SHIP!). I plan to put together a video showing off the mechanics on my Instagram sometime in the coming weeks.
A special thanks for Nick and Casey who were able to offer stylistic critiques during the final stretch and help with the photo edit.
I am not completely satisfied with all of the detailing on this project, but I am happy to get it mostly finished in time to submit for Space Jam. The plan is to make the final tweaks for it to be displayed at Brickworld Chicago in June.
I sit with Big Dog Bruno to ensure Jackie gives him a chance to have his meals. This is the view while waiting on the dogs.
From Wikipedia...regarding frangipani..or ...Plumeria
Contact with the sap may irritate eyes and skin.[4] Each of the separate species of Plumeria bears differently shaped alternate leaves with distinct form and growth habits. The leaves of P. alba are quite narrow and corrugated, whereas leaves of P. pudica have an elongated shape and glossy, dark-green color. P. pudica is one of the everblooming types with non-deciduous, evergreen leaves. Another species that retains leaves and flowers in winter is P. obtusa; though its common name is "Singapore," it is originally from Colombia.[citation needed]
Plumeria flowers are most fragrant at night in order to lure sphinx moths to pollinate them. The flowers have no nectar, however, and simply dupe their pollinators. The moths inadvertently pollinate them by transferring pollen from flower to flower in their fruitless search for nectar.[citation needed]
Plumeria species may be propagated easily from cuttings of leafless stem tips in spring. Cuttings are allowed to dry at the base before planting in well-drained soil. Cuttings are particularly susceptible to rot in moist soil.
In order to get the most from a plumeria plant with respect to growth, size, blooms, and scent, there is a fine balance that must be maintained. Ideally, a plumeria is in its element when it can have plenty of sun and appropriate water, so as to maintain soil moistness just above a state of dryness. On the other hand, if the plant receives a lesser amount of sun, then a lesser amount of watering is necessary - again, to ensure that soil moistness stays just above the dry state. The more sun, the more water. The less sun, the less water. A common mistake of novice plumeria growers is to over-water the plant when it is not able to be exposed to enough sun, thereby resulting in a rotted root system. Conversely, if a plumeria plant is able to receive maximum exposure to the sun, but they aren't watered enough, the plant will die.[citation needed]
Propagation can also be by tissue culture from cuttings of freshly elongated stems or aseptically germinated seed. Pruning is best accomplished in the winter for deciduous varieties, or when cuttings are desired.
There are more than 300 named varieties of Plumeria.{American Plumeria society, Florida.[citation needed]
Etymology and common namesEdit
The genus is named in honor of the seventeenth-century French botanist Charles Plumier, who traveled to the New World documenting many plant and animal species.[5] The common name "frangipani" comes from a sixteenth-century marquess of the noble family in Italy who invented a plumeria-scented perfume. Many English speakers also simply use the generic name "plumeria".
In Persian, the name is "yas" or "yasmin". In India, the name is "champa" , In Marathi "Chafa" ,In Telugu "Deva ganneru" (divine nerium), in Manipuri "Khagi Leihao" . In Hawaii, the name is "melia", although common usage is still "plumeria". In Sri Lanka, it is referred to as araliya and (in English) as the Temple Tree. In Cantonese, it is known as 'gaai daan fa' or the 'egg yolk flower' tree. The name 'Leelawadee' (originating from Thai)[6][7] is found occasionally. In Indonesia, where the flower has been commonly associated with Balinese culture, it is known as "Kamboja". In French Polynesia it is called a Tiare tree.
In culture
In Mesoamerica Plumerias have carried complex symbolic significance for over 2000 years, with striking examples from the Maya and Aztec periods into the present.
Considering the Atlas Mining Corporation (or Atlas Corporation) is the largest and wealthiest human commercial mining corporation in the observable universe, it's no wonder they take substantial consideration into ensuring that their assets are secure. In fact, the size of the Atlas Corporation's private security force rivals that of many localised policing authorities. As well as close to 135,000 security personnel, the Atlas Corporation takes pride in its elite force of Surveyors. These men, often war veterans or acclaimed Bounty Hunters, adopt a Lone Wolf mindset and lifestyle. Their official job as a Surveyor is to make planetfall on a prospective mining location and provide reconnaissance or even stake a claim on it. However, there are abundant rumours that Surveyors are also used to undertake any job too 'dirty' for standard Atlas personnel. Some entities have gone as far as attempting to persecute the Atlas Corporation for:
-A team of Surveyors rumoured to have engineered a coup on Zenith Alpha.
-A Surveyor assassinating a Government Official and his entourage on Thessia.
-A suspected bombing of rival mining corporation equipment over land disputes (the land in question was annexed by the Atlas Corporation)
-Multiple other alleged crimes.
Other, unofficial rumours suggest that the Atlas Corporation uses Surveyors to perform crackdowns on uncooperative personnel and executions without trial. - The Extranet Encyclopedia, 2145
Building up character to my overarching space storyline with ITO and general creepiness. I may do a backstory for the Atlas Corporation itself at some point. Don't hold your breath though.
Torso and legs of figure are a commission from Richard Goff.
Goal 7 of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals is: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. There are great parallels to be made with the International Space Station. All our energy is completely carbon free as it comes from these beautiful, large, solar panels. They have been providing all the electricity we need up here for 20 years, but we have a great advantage: no clouds, so they get the full effect of our Sun. However half of our 90-minute orbit around is in the shadow of Earth, so batteries take over for 45 minutes to keep the electricity flowing, and they are recharged when we fly back into sunlight. As energy up here is a limited resource, a list exists where each facility is placed in order of priority. Representatives from the five space agencies that run the International Space Station work together to make the list so if ever power dips the top-priority facilities continue to run. I hear that the discussions around this can be quite lively as nobody wants their facility turned off, but for over 20 years researchers and mission designers have worked it out together and energy is continued to be produced and distributed. Like many things on the Space Station this is a nice example of what needs to be done on Earth, but obviously on a much larger scale and nobody is saying it is easy. Meanwhile after 20 years of service, the solar panels are getting ready for an upgrade with spacewalks planned to install new ones in the Summer. We need to safeguard our future energy to make it sustainable and continuous, just like on Earth.
Le 7e des Objectifs de développement durable de l'ONU : assurer l'accès pour tous à une énergie abordable, fiable, et durable. On peut faire plusieurs parallèles avec la Station spatiale internationale. Notre énergie est décarbonée car solaire: on voit assez nos immenses panneaux J. Ils fournissent toute l'électricité nécessaire ici depuis 20 ans, mais nous avons un gros avantage : l'absence de nuages :sunglass: Ils profitent pleinement du soleil, même si, à cause de sa trajectoire autour de la Terre, la Station spatiale passe constamment de l’ombre (côté non éclairé de la terre) à la lumière (côté éclairé).. d’où harge et décharge de grandes batteries extérieures. L'énergie étant une ressource limitée ici, les 5 agences spatiales qui gèrent la Station travaillent ensemble pour la gérer. En cas de problème électrique, il faut des priorités claires. En tout cas pendant plus de 20 ans, les chercheurs et les ingénieurs ont trouvé des solutions ensemble et l'énergie continue d'être produite et distribuée. Comme souvent sur l’ISS, c’est un bel exemple de ce qui doit être fait sur Terre, à plus grande echelle – c’est évidement beaucoup lpus difficile. Après des années de bons et loyaux services, les panneaux solaires donnent des signes de fatigue et des sorties extravéhiculaires sont prévues pour en installer de nouveaux au mois de juin. Ici aussi, on se creuse la tête pour render notre énergie plus durable.
Credits: ESA/NAS–T. Pesquet
439B6191
Adding more colour to the regular Sunday Summer Dales services, is this Transbus Dart. 718 has been recently refurbished to ensure an extended life. The bus heads across the tops via Embsay into Ilkley.
Usually ensure the bits that get the most attention are in all shots (ie legs n shoes) maybe that’s why some of these came out better as I tried less hard to get everything in one pic. Think this shows the quality of pics isn’t to disguise poor attempts at makeup even when the pics don’t show it if I’m taking them with the intent of posting for me and my own mindset this level of make up is a must. Pity the quality doesn’t always let it show
RBMN PNNR is seen at St Clair. The crew is wying their train to ensure it is in the proper order for an OCS that will be running at a later date.
Jakob Lena Knebl, Ashley Hans Scheirl, Austria Pavilion, 2022 Venice Biennale
--
Jakob Lena Knebl and Ashley Hans Scheirl present stage-like installations, in which they unfurl their entire artistic cosmos – from paintings, sculptures, textile works, photographs, text, and video to a fashion collection and a publication in the form of a magazine. The artists focus on the situation of the symmetrical architecture of the Austrian Pavilion, that is both divided and connected by a colonnade. The two sections each bear the mark of one of the two artists. While distinguishing the two distinct positions, this also ensures that they remain in conversation with each other to emphasise the artist duo at appropriate points. Various materials, modes of operation, symbols, and forms appear to oscillate between the two presentations, duplicated and mirrored and translated into the preferred artistic practice in each case.
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www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Opening times
Open 7 days a week, except 25 December
Winter (27 October to February)
9.30am to 5.00pm
Early Closing on 24 December (last admission 2pm)
Summer (March to 27 October)
9.30am to 5.30pm
Facilities
Eating
The brand new Mere Side cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold food, a variety of coffees and chilled drinks, and tempting home-made cakes. From healthy vegetarian salads to hearty meat dishes, all can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful wetlands.
Small Breakfast menu available from 10am -11.30am. Hot food served from 11.45am - 2.30pm.
Shopping
The gift shop stocks a wide range of wildlife books, outdoor clothing, bird feeders/boxes, postcards and stationary, children’s gifts and souvenirs of your visit to the centre, including a unique range of products featuring the artwork of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott.
There is also an In Focus optics shop at the centre selling everything you will ever need to watch wildlife – from budget binoculars starting at around £15 to deluxe telescopes at over £1000. In Focus is the ideal place to get honest, friendly advice about buying your first pair of binoculars and test them in what must be the best location anywhere in the North West of England.
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Visitor information and associated terms and conditions of entry
We hope you have a great day with us. Our Wetland Centres are designed to give you an unforgettable experience getting close to nature. Your safety is paramount, as is the safety of the wildlife that visits or lives at our Wetland Centres. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, we have terms and conditions of entry that everyone needs to observe.
1. Visitors are asked to respect the habitats and wildlife of the centre by keeping to the paths and defined tracks at all times and keeping loud noise to a minimum as this may cause stress to wildlife.
2. Contrary to popular belief, birds should not be fed bread as they cannot digest it. Please feed them grain instead - you will be able to purchase grain at centres where feeding is permitted.
3. Please ensure that children are supervised at all times and please be aware that some of our ponds and lakes are deep. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Safety signs are there for your protection - please obey the signage and do not attempt to go beyond any enclosure barriers. Please do not: Climb on any trees or shrubs
Prune or pick any flowers or vegetation
Enter any water body
5. The last admission to the Centre is 30 minutes prior to the advertised closing time.
6. Due to the limited availability of car parking spaces, vehicles may only be left for the duration of the visit to the centre.
7. Mobility scooters are very welcome on site. For more information on what we offer for people with disabilities, please see www.wwt.org.uk/visit/visit/accessibility/
8. Unfortunately we can't allow dogs or pets of any kind on site, with the exception of assistance dogs on duty, as our wildlife may become distressed. Assistance dogs must be kept on the lead and under control and harnesses must state "working or assistance dog". Please ensure any dog waste is removed. If any of our birds/animals behaviour is affected by the presence of your dog, we may have to ask you to move away from the area.
9. So we don't distress our wildlife, we do not allow the following on site: Scooters, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates/blades/wheelies or skateboards
Barbecues
Footballs or frisbees
10. Pond dipping is not allowed on our wildlife reserve ponds. This is to prevent the spread of invasive non-native plants and the chytridiomycosis disease which affects amphibians. Pond dipping in the grounds may only be undertaken with equipment provided by WWT.
11. In accordance with UK law smoking is prohibited in all buildings (including hides). Visitors who wish to smoke are asked to consider the welfare and comfort of other visitors, especially children, by not smoking in or around picnic areas, play areas or areas where children's activities are being held. In periods of extreme dry weather WWT reserves the right to designate the whole site non-smoking in order to reduce the risk of fire.
12. Photography is permitted on site for personal use only. All commercial/stock library photography, filming, recording, etc. must be agreed in advance with the centre. Please contact Nick Brooks on 01704 891 227 for any commercial filming or photographic enquiries.
13. WWT reserves the right to ask for additional identification to aid proof of membership.
2013 admission prices
Prices are shown inclusive of Gift Aid and without. The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation, which enables us to claim the tax back as part of the Government's Gift Aid scheme. For further information on Gift Aid click here.
Pricing
Adult
Gift Aid £11.10
No Gift Aid £10.09
Concession (65+, full-time students, unemployed)
Gift Aid £8.20
No Gift Aid £7.45
Child (4-16 years)
Gift Aid £5.40
No Gift Aid £4.91
Family (2 adults and 2 children, 4-16 years)
Gift Aid £29.80
No Gift Aid £27.09
Children (under 4 years) Free Free
Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors Free Free
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre has the following facilities:
Free accessible car parking provision – 2 designated spaces
Trained assistance dogs welcome
Hearing induction loop in reception
Maps can be enlarged, please ask ahead of your visit
Manual wheelchair available to loan
The paths around the site are level access
Roaming volunteers, grounds and reception staff on hand if you require assistance
There is step-free entry to all our hides
Accessible toilets
Restaurant staff are friendly and helpful and will carry trays to the table if required
Pond-dipping with station for wheelchair-users
Accessible boat safari – maximum 2 manual wheelchair-users per trip
Waterplay – accessible (boardwalks / gravel) for children using wheelchairs
Eco Garden – a great sensory experience
In addition we have friendly and helpful staff, so if you need restaurant staff to carry a tray to your table or help open a gate – please just ask!
Eat, drink, refresh
The visitor centre is the heart of Martin Mere and the central place to find information on what to see, to buy seed to feed to the birds, to browse our retail shop and to eat (at the Mere Side Cafe).
The Mere Side Cafe has a selection of hot and cold food, sandwiches, cakes and drinks. Childrens boxes are available as well as high chairs and the option to heat up a baby's bottle. Additionally in the building there are disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.
The building has six indoor rooms where there’s always plenty to see and do in the warmth. Films will often be shown in our theatre about beavers or swans and there is a free activity room where families can play and learn in comfort.
The main foyer is home to a bio-diversity exhibition that was kindly donated to us to allow us to have an interactive display promoting the diversity of nature and life. The exhibition has a mixture of touch screen displays, hand held objects, an introductory DVD and large displays to read and learn about bio-diversity.
In addition, at weekends and during holidays there is another craft room where children can design then purchase crafts such as badges, pencil cases and themed activities depending on the season.
Shopping
Gift shop
The retail shop has a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs from small gifts for children to jewellery and display items, as well as a bird care and book area.
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In Focus shop
Established over 30 years ago, In Focus are the UK’s leading binocular and telescope specialists.
The In Focus shop at Martin Mere has arguably the best testing facilities for binoculars and telescopes in Britain, and carries an extensive range of binoculars and telescopes from beginners’ compacts for £15 to top end kit.
They also stock tripods, hide clamps, digiscoping kits and a wide range of bird watching accessories.
All of the In Focus staff are expert birders who work commission-free to give non-biased advice about choosing binoculars and telescopes. All sales support WWT’s conservation work.
If you wish to visit In Focus but not Martin Mere, you pay the admission price and this can be refunded when you leave if you get your receipt stamped by a member of staff at In Focus.
Group visits
What is there for groups?
Martin Mere Wetland Centre provides a perfect destination for groups, from keen wildlife enthusiasts, photographers or conservation and environmental groups to those just wanting a relaxing day out.
There are beautiful walks around the grounds where you can view birds from around the world, and a nature trail with ten lookout hides from which to watch wildlife throughout the seasons, including summer wading birds and the wintering swans and geese. We also have a visitor centre with spectacular views across the Swan Lake and we have a gift shop and the Mere Side Cafe, which serves food and drinks.
You are welcome to visit at your leisure but for those wanting a little more structure we offer guided walks tailored to your group’s requirements.
Activities
A range of seasonal guided tours and events are available to groups year round at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Tours are priced at £10 and must be pre-booked.
Among those available are duckling nursery tours in the spring, summer waders walks in the summer and swan feeds in the winter. Guided tours of the waterfowl gardens and a community reedbed walk are also run year-round.
Contact the centre to find out which events
will be available when you visit.
Benefits for groups
Reduced entry prices for groups of 12 or more (payable as one payment on arrival)
Free familiarisation visit for the group leader
Complimentary admission for group organiser
Free coach parking
Free entry for the coach driver
Voucher for use in the Coffee Shop for the driver
Guided tour available for small additional cost for groups that have pre-booked
Meet and greet with complimentary welcome pack
Group admission prices 2012
Free to WWT members
The following discounted rates apply to groups of 12 or more:
Adult: £9.50
Concession: £7.00 (over 65 years, full-time students, unemployed)
Child: £4.60 (4-16 years)
No deposit is required and groups will be asked to pay at the admissions desk on the day of visit.
Accessibility
The centre has level access and hard-surfaced paths with tarmac on main routes (and compacted gravel on minor paths)
All hides are accessible to wheelchairs
Low-level viewing windows and level access to ground floor bird hides.
Free wheelchair loan
Trained assistance dogs only (i.e. Guide dogs). No other dogs permitted
Accessible toilets in car-park and throughout the visitor centre
Free car parking on site. Tarmac surface and reserved bays for disabled visitors
Making a booking
For further information or to make a group booking, please contact Belinda on 01704 895181, or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
School visits
At WWT Martin Mere we provide unique and unforgettable learning experiences for schools.
To find out more about what’s on offer for you and your pupils,
Venue hire
If you would like to hire a room at Martin Mere call Belinda on 01704 891238 or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk for further information or to obtain a quote.
The centre can be hired during the day for corporate meetings or conferences, or in the evening for functions. Rooms can also be hired for children's birthday parties.
Children's parties are available at the following prices:
Children under the age of 4 is £6.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ration of 1 adult free per 3 children).
Children aged 4 - 12 is £8.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ratio of 1 adult free per 5 children)
Lunches boxes can also be purchased for £3.95 per child and they include a sandwich, fruit drink, crisps and a piece of fruit
Rooms available to hire:
Meeting Room - Maximum of 15 delegates
Lecture Theatre - Maximum of 100 delegates
Half of Greenwood Building - 20 to 30 delegates
Full Greenwood Building - Maximum of 60 delegates
How to find us
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Martin Mere Wetland Centre is located six miles from Ormskirk and 10 miles from Southport. It is easily accessible by public and private transport.
WWT Martin Mere is now offering a scheme where visitors who travel to the Centre without a car can receive discount entry on admission.
The reduced admission prices are:
Adult: £9.50
Child: £4.60
Concession: £7.00
By car
Situated off the A59, the Centre is signposted from junction 8 on the M61, junction 3 on the M58 and junction 27 on the M6. It is free to park at the Centre.
By rail
There are three railway stations in close proximity to Martin Mere: Burscough Bridge Interchange (on the Southport - Manchester line) is approximately two miles, New Lane (on the Southport – Manchester line) is approximately 0.8 miles and Burscough Junction (on the Liverpool to Preston line via Ormskirk) is approximately three miles.
Visit: www.traveline-northwest.co.uk for details of North West timetables and journey planner.
By foot
Martin Mere has created a new trail from Burscough Bridge Interchange. The well signposted two mile trail is along local footpaths and includes walking over agricultural land so may not be suitable for prams or wheelchairs. It is also advised to wear good walking boots. The trail begins from behind the Manchester platform at Burscough Bridge Interchange and incorporates local tea rooms and the new Martin Mere reedbed walk. The signs are made out of recycled plastic.
Please be aware that at certain times of the year, summer in particular, the footpath can become overgrown in certain places and it is advised to call the Centre prior to walking it at this time of year. If the path at the station is overgrown you can use an alternative route: Walk down the side of the house on the platform and turn left onto the road, turning left down Moss Nook Road. At the top of Moss Nook Road you walk straight ahead onto the public footpath and you will pick up the fingerposts to Martin Mere.
If there is an issue with the signage on this walk please call Martin Mere on 01704 891220
If there is an issue with the footpath i.e. overgrown or litter, please call Burscough Parish Council on 01704 894914
Click here for information on the Countryside Code
Hire a bike
The Martin Mere Wetland Centre welcomes cyclists as an environmentally friendly and pleasant way to arrive at the centre.
Jack Parker Cycles, in partnership with Martin Mere, now offer cycle hire from the Burscough shop. The hire fleet consist’s of a selection of gent’s, ladies, boys & girls junior bikes all fitted with puncture proof tires, also child seats & tag along bikes are available. All persons hiring will be supplied with helmets, locks and a map of area.
The costs to hire are £8.00 per bike and £4.00 for child seats and tags. All bikes must be booked in advance by telephone on 01704 892442 or by calling into the shop at 62 - 64 Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 4BY
Cycle stations are located at Burscough Wharf, Burscough Fitness and Racquets Centre and The Ship Inn in Lathom.
All you need to hire a bike is your mobile phone and a debit or credit card and cycle hire is from £1 per hour
Minimum 6 hour initial purchase required however this can be carried forward to your next hire until your membership expires.
Top up your account with more hours anytime either through the website or by calling our automated number 01704 340025.
Thirty day temporary memberships are instantly available when you hire a bike however you can upgrade or pre-join on our website.
Easy to follow instructions are available at all stations.
You are able to hire at one station and leave your bike at another (specific locations only).
Check our website for locations of other cycle hire centres or to check if bikes are available at your chosen station
Further information on bike hire and how to travel without a car around Sefton and West Lancashire, please click on the following link: www.visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk
The Centre is situated on two cycle routes in West Lancashire: the New Lane Circuit (approximately 23.5 miles) and A Grand Tour of West Lancashire (approximately 37.8 miles). Details of the routes can be found at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/cycling/pdf/West%20lanc...
By coach
The centre has parking facilities for large coaches. Parking is free for coaches bringing visitors to the centre.
By air
Manchester Airport is just an hour drive from the Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Manchester Airport Train Station is on the Southport to Manchester train line, providing a direct route to New Lane Train Station, 0.8 miles from the Centre.
WWT's environmental policy
WWT is committed to environmental excellence and the continuous improvement of our environmental performance as part of our overall goal of implementing the pronciples of sustainability in all areas of work.
We recognise that many of our activities have some negative impact on the local, regional, national and global environment. As a consequence, we aim to conduct our business and operations in a way that minimises this impact and mitigates for it whenever possible, reflecting sustainable practices. Specifically we endeavour to:
Review all activities, operations and procedures to identify, quantify and evaluate environmental impact.
Set priorities and targets for environmental improvements in key areas, such as water, waste and energy.
Measure improvements against targets and report progress annually.
Adopt a philosophy of 'reduce, re-use and recycle' in our use of resources, and minimise the environmental impacts associated with our activities.
Meet or exceed all statutory regulations and approved codes of practice on the environment at all locations where possible.
Set our own standards and targets where no relevant Government regulation or code of practice exists.
Incorporate environmental responsibilities and sustainable practices into job descriptions, staff training and appraisals.
Raise awareness of environmental issues amongst staff and volunteers, and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable practices.
Communicate the value of environmental awareness and sustainability to members, supporters and local communities.
Encourage third parties, particularly suppliers and receivers of goods and services, to adopt environmental standards comparable to those of WWT.
Adopt a policy of sale and purchase of goods and services that minimises negative environmental impacts where possible.
Invest in accordance with our environmental policies and regularly review investments to ensure that they do not conflict with the Articles of the Trust.
Implement an environmental action plan to support our environmental policy.
Martin Mere visitor code
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we have an impact.
There are many ways in which you can get involved during your visit to help look after our beautiful area and ensure it is just as special on your next visit. This will also support our commitment to sustainable tourism.
1. Why not get out of the car - walking, riding and cycling are great ways to explore the area without adding to the traffic and you'll find there are fantastic places to visit right on your doorstep!
2. Stay local, eat local, buy local and see local - Lancashire has gained a reputation for fine food and local produce, so why not seek out famers' markets, village stores, pubs and cafes and make a real difference to the local communities.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - support us in our efforts to reduce waste.
4. Switch off... and save energy - in rural Lancashire you can see the stars at night! Help us reduce energy use and C02 emissions by switching off lights and standby buttons when you don't need them. Help us reduce water consumption by using just the water you need.
5. Follow the Countryside Code - the Countryside Code reminds us all to protect, respect and enjoy: look after plants and animals, take litter away; leave gates and property as you find them; keep dogs under close control; and consider other people.
A new reed bed walk has opened at Martin Mere which is accessible from the Harrier Hide. It adds a new dimension to the reserve giving you access to an area which we would have not had other wise.
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/martin-mere/
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Opening times
Open 7 days a week, except 25 December
Winter (27 October to February)
9.30am to 5.00pm
Early Closing on 24 December (last admission 2pm)
Summer (March to 27 October)
9.30am to 5.30pm
Facilities
Eating
The brand new Mere Side cafe offers a delicious selection of hot and cold food, a variety of coffees and chilled drinks, and tempting home-made cakes. From healthy vegetarian salads to hearty meat dishes, all can be enjoyed overlooking the beautiful wetlands.
Small Breakfast menu available from 10am -11.30am. Hot food served from 11.45am - 2.30pm.
Shopping
The gift shop stocks a wide range of wildlife books, outdoor clothing, bird feeders/boxes, postcards and stationary, children’s gifts and souvenirs of your visit to the centre, including a unique range of products featuring the artwork of WWT founder Sir Peter Scott.
There is also an In Focus optics shop at the centre selling everything you will ever need to watch wildlife – from budget binoculars starting at around £15 to deluxe telescopes at over £1000. In Focus is the ideal place to get honest, friendly advice about buying your first pair of binoculars and test them in what must be the best location anywhere in the North West of England.
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Visitor information and associated terms and conditions of entry
We hope you have a great day with us. Our Wetland Centres are designed to give you an unforgettable experience getting close to nature. Your safety is paramount, as is the safety of the wildlife that visits or lives at our Wetland Centres. To ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable day, we have terms and conditions of entry that everyone needs to observe.
1. Visitors are asked to respect the habitats and wildlife of the centre by keeping to the paths and defined tracks at all times and keeping loud noise to a minimum as this may cause stress to wildlife.
2. Contrary to popular belief, birds should not be fed bread as they cannot digest it. Please feed them grain instead - you will be able to purchase grain at centres where feeding is permitted.
3. Please ensure that children are supervised at all times and please be aware that some of our ponds and lakes are deep. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Safety signs are there for your protection - please obey the signage and do not attempt to go beyond any enclosure barriers. Please do not: Climb on any trees or shrubs
Prune or pick any flowers or vegetation
Enter any water body
5. The last admission to the Centre is 30 minutes prior to the advertised closing time.
6. Due to the limited availability of car parking spaces, vehicles may only be left for the duration of the visit to the centre.
7. Mobility scooters are very welcome on site. For more information on what we offer for people with disabilities, please see www.wwt.org.uk/visit/visit/accessibility/
8. Unfortunately we can't allow dogs or pets of any kind on site, with the exception of assistance dogs on duty, as our wildlife may become distressed. Assistance dogs must be kept on the lead and under control and harnesses must state "working or assistance dog". Please ensure any dog waste is removed. If any of our birds/animals behaviour is affected by the presence of your dog, we may have to ask you to move away from the area.
9. So we don't distress our wildlife, we do not allow the following on site: Scooters, bicycles, tricycles, roller skates/blades/wheelies or skateboards
Barbecues
Footballs or frisbees
10. Pond dipping is not allowed on our wildlife reserve ponds. This is to prevent the spread of invasive non-native plants and the chytridiomycosis disease which affects amphibians. Pond dipping in the grounds may only be undertaken with equipment provided by WWT.
11. In accordance with UK law smoking is prohibited in all buildings (including hides). Visitors who wish to smoke are asked to consider the welfare and comfort of other visitors, especially children, by not smoking in or around picnic areas, play areas or areas where children's activities are being held. In periods of extreme dry weather WWT reserves the right to designate the whole site non-smoking in order to reduce the risk of fire.
12. Photography is permitted on site for personal use only. All commercial/stock library photography, filming, recording, etc. must be agreed in advance with the centre. Please contact Nick Brooks on 01704 891 227 for any commercial filming or photographic enquiries.
13. WWT reserves the right to ask for additional identification to aid proof of membership.
2013 admission prices
Prices are shown inclusive of Gift Aid and without. The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation, which enables us to claim the tax back as part of the Government's Gift Aid scheme. For further information on Gift Aid click here.
Pricing
Adult
Gift Aid £11.10
No Gift Aid £10.09
Concession (65+, full-time students, unemployed)
Gift Aid £8.20
No Gift Aid £7.45
Child (4-16 years)
Gift Aid £5.40
No Gift Aid £4.91
Family (2 adults and 2 children, 4-16 years)
Gift Aid £29.80
No Gift Aid £27.09
Children (under 4 years) Free Free
Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors Free Free
Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Accessibility
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre has the following facilities:
Free accessible car parking provision – 2 designated spaces
Trained assistance dogs welcome
Hearing induction loop in reception
Maps can be enlarged, please ask ahead of your visit
Manual wheelchair available to loan
The paths around the site are level access
Roaming volunteers, grounds and reception staff on hand if you require assistance
There is step-free entry to all our hides
Accessible toilets
Restaurant staff are friendly and helpful and will carry trays to the table if required
Pond-dipping with station for wheelchair-users
Accessible boat safari – maximum 2 manual wheelchair-users per trip
Waterplay – accessible (boardwalks / gravel) for children using wheelchairs
Eco Garden – a great sensory experience
In addition we have friendly and helpful staff, so if you need restaurant staff to carry a tray to your table or help open a gate – please just ask!
Eat, drink, refresh
The visitor centre is the heart of Martin Mere and the central place to find information on what to see, to buy seed to feed to the birds, to browse our retail shop and to eat (at the Mere Side Cafe).
The Mere Side Cafe has a selection of hot and cold food, sandwiches, cakes and drinks. Childrens boxes are available as well as high chairs and the option to heat up a baby's bottle. Additionally in the building there are disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.
The building has six indoor rooms where there’s always plenty to see and do in the warmth. Films will often be shown in our theatre about beavers or swans and there is a free activity room where families can play and learn in comfort.
The main foyer is home to a bio-diversity exhibition that was kindly donated to us to allow us to have an interactive display promoting the diversity of nature and life. The exhibition has a mixture of touch screen displays, hand held objects, an introductory DVD and large displays to read and learn about bio-diversity.
In addition, at weekends and during holidays there is another craft room where children can design then purchase crafts such as badges, pencil cases and themed activities depending on the season.
Shopping
Gift shop
The retail shop has a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs from small gifts for children to jewellery and display items, as well as a bird care and book area.
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In Focus shop
Established over 30 years ago, In Focus are the UK’s leading binocular and telescope specialists.
The In Focus shop at Martin Mere has arguably the best testing facilities for binoculars and telescopes in Britain, and carries an extensive range of binoculars and telescopes from beginners’ compacts for £15 to top end kit.
They also stock tripods, hide clamps, digiscoping kits and a wide range of bird watching accessories.
All of the In Focus staff are expert birders who work commission-free to give non-biased advice about choosing binoculars and telescopes. All sales support WWT’s conservation work.
If you wish to visit In Focus but not Martin Mere, you pay the admission price and this can be refunded when you leave if you get your receipt stamped by a member of staff at In Focus.
Group visits
What is there for groups?
Martin Mere Wetland Centre provides a perfect destination for groups, from keen wildlife enthusiasts, photographers or conservation and environmental groups to those just wanting a relaxing day out.
There are beautiful walks around the grounds where you can view birds from around the world, and a nature trail with ten lookout hides from which to watch wildlife throughout the seasons, including summer wading birds and the wintering swans and geese. We also have a visitor centre with spectacular views across the Swan Lake and we have a gift shop and the Mere Side Cafe, which serves food and drinks.
You are welcome to visit at your leisure but for those wanting a little more structure we offer guided walks tailored to your group’s requirements.
Activities
A range of seasonal guided tours and events are available to groups year round at Martin Mere Wetland Centre. Tours are priced at £10 and must be pre-booked.
Among those available are duckling nursery tours in the spring, summer waders walks in the summer and swan feeds in the winter. Guided tours of the waterfowl gardens and a community reedbed walk are also run year-round.
Contact the centre to find out which events
will be available when you visit.
Benefits for groups
Reduced entry prices for groups of 12 or more (payable as one payment on arrival)
Free familiarisation visit for the group leader
Complimentary admission for group organiser
Free coach parking
Free entry for the coach driver
Voucher for use in the Coffee Shop for the driver
Guided tour available for small additional cost for groups that have pre-booked
Meet and greet with complimentary welcome pack
Group admission prices 2012
Free to WWT members
The following discounted rates apply to groups of 12 or more:
Adult: £9.50
Concession: £7.00 (over 65 years, full-time students, unemployed)
Child: £4.60 (4-16 years)
No deposit is required and groups will be asked to pay at the admissions desk on the day of visit.
Accessibility
The centre has level access and hard-surfaced paths with tarmac on main routes (and compacted gravel on minor paths)
All hides are accessible to wheelchairs
Low-level viewing windows and level access to ground floor bird hides.
Free wheelchair loan
Trained assistance dogs only (i.e. Guide dogs). No other dogs permitted
Accessible toilets in car-park and throughout the visitor centre
Free car parking on site. Tarmac surface and reserved bays for disabled visitors
Making a booking
For further information or to make a group booking, please contact Belinda on 01704 895181, or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
School visits
At WWT Martin Mere we provide unique and unforgettable learning experiences for schools.
To find out more about what’s on offer for you and your pupils,
Venue hire
If you would like to hire a room at Martin Mere call Belinda on 01704 891238 or email: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk for further information or to obtain a quote.
The centre can be hired during the day for corporate meetings or conferences, or in the evening for functions. Rooms can also be hired for children's birthday parties.
Children's parties are available at the following prices:
Children under the age of 4 is £6.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ration of 1 adult free per 3 children).
Children aged 4 - 12 is £8.00 per child (1 parent free and then a ratio of 1 adult free per 5 children)
Lunches boxes can also be purchased for £3.95 per child and they include a sandwich, fruit drink, crisps and a piece of fruit
Rooms available to hire:
Meeting Room - Maximum of 15 delegates
Lecture Theatre - Maximum of 100 delegates
Half of Greenwood Building - 20 to 30 delegates
Full Greenwood Building - Maximum of 60 delegates
How to find us
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Fish Lane, Burscough
Lancashire
L40 0TA
T: 01704 895181
F: 01704 892343
E: info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk
Martin Mere Wetland Centre is located six miles from Ormskirk and 10 miles from Southport. It is easily accessible by public and private transport.
WWT Martin Mere is now offering a scheme where visitors who travel to the Centre without a car can receive discount entry on admission.
The reduced admission prices are:
Adult: £9.50
Child: £4.60
Concession: £7.00
By car
Situated off the A59, the Centre is signposted from junction 8 on the M61, junction 3 on the M58 and junction 27 on the M6. It is free to park at the Centre.
By rail
There are three railway stations in close proximity to Martin Mere: Burscough Bridge Interchange (on the Southport - Manchester line) is approximately two miles, New Lane (on the Southport – Manchester line) is approximately 0.8 miles and Burscough Junction (on the Liverpool to Preston line via Ormskirk) is approximately three miles.
Visit: www.traveline-northwest.co.uk for details of North West timetables and journey planner.
By foot
Martin Mere has created a new trail from Burscough Bridge Interchange. The well signposted two mile trail is along local footpaths and includes walking over agricultural land so may not be suitable for prams or wheelchairs. It is also advised to wear good walking boots. The trail begins from behind the Manchester platform at Burscough Bridge Interchange and incorporates local tea rooms and the new Martin Mere reedbed walk. The signs are made out of recycled plastic.
Please be aware that at certain times of the year, summer in particular, the footpath can become overgrown in certain places and it is advised to call the Centre prior to walking it at this time of year. If the path at the station is overgrown you can use an alternative route: Walk down the side of the house on the platform and turn left onto the road, turning left down Moss Nook Road. At the top of Moss Nook Road you walk straight ahead onto the public footpath and you will pick up the fingerposts to Martin Mere.
If there is an issue with the signage on this walk please call Martin Mere on 01704 891220
If there is an issue with the footpath i.e. overgrown or litter, please call Burscough Parish Council on 01704 894914
Click here for information on the Countryside Code
Hire a bike
The Martin Mere Wetland Centre welcomes cyclists as an environmentally friendly and pleasant way to arrive at the centre.
Jack Parker Cycles, in partnership with Martin Mere, now offer cycle hire from the Burscough shop. The hire fleet consist’s of a selection of gent’s, ladies, boys & girls junior bikes all fitted with puncture proof tires, also child seats & tag along bikes are available. All persons hiring will be supplied with helmets, locks and a map of area.
The costs to hire are £8.00 per bike and £4.00 for child seats and tags. All bikes must be booked in advance by telephone on 01704 892442 or by calling into the shop at 62 - 64 Liverpool Road North, Burscough L40 4BY
Cycle stations are located at Burscough Wharf, Burscough Fitness and Racquets Centre and The Ship Inn in Lathom.
All you need to hire a bike is your mobile phone and a debit or credit card and cycle hire is from £1 per hour
Minimum 6 hour initial purchase required however this can be carried forward to your next hire until your membership expires.
Top up your account with more hours anytime either through the website or by calling our automated number 01704 340025.
Thirty day temporary memberships are instantly available when you hire a bike however you can upgrade or pre-join on our website.
Easy to follow instructions are available at all stations.
You are able to hire at one station and leave your bike at another (specific locations only).
Check our website for locations of other cycle hire centres or to check if bikes are available at your chosen station
Further information on bike hire and how to travel without a car around Sefton and West Lancashire, please click on the following link: www.visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk
The Centre is situated on two cycle routes in West Lancashire: the New Lane Circuit (approximately 23.5 miles) and A Grand Tour of West Lancashire (approximately 37.8 miles). Details of the routes can be found at: www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/cycling/pdf/West%20lanc...
By coach
The centre has parking facilities for large coaches. Parking is free for coaches bringing visitors to the centre.
By air
Manchester Airport is just an hour drive from the Martin Mere Wetland Centre and Manchester Airport Train Station is on the Southport to Manchester train line, providing a direct route to New Lane Train Station, 0.8 miles from the Centre.
WWT's environmental policy
WWT is committed to environmental excellence and the continuous improvement of our environmental performance as part of our overall goal of implementing the pronciples of sustainability in all areas of work.
We recognise that many of our activities have some negative impact on the local, regional, national and global environment. As a consequence, we aim to conduct our business and operations in a way that minimises this impact and mitigates for it whenever possible, reflecting sustainable practices. Specifically we endeavour to:
Review all activities, operations and procedures to identify, quantify and evaluate environmental impact.
Set priorities and targets for environmental improvements in key areas, such as water, waste and energy.
Measure improvements against targets and report progress annually.
Adopt a philosophy of 'reduce, re-use and recycle' in our use of resources, and minimise the environmental impacts associated with our activities.
Meet or exceed all statutory regulations and approved codes of practice on the environment at all locations where possible.
Set our own standards and targets where no relevant Government regulation or code of practice exists.
Incorporate environmental responsibilities and sustainable practices into job descriptions, staff training and appraisals.
Raise awareness of environmental issues amongst staff and volunteers, and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable practices.
Communicate the value of environmental awareness and sustainability to members, supporters and local communities.
Encourage third parties, particularly suppliers and receivers of goods and services, to adopt environmental standards comparable to those of WWT.
Adopt a policy of sale and purchase of goods and services that minimises negative environmental impacts where possible.
Invest in accordance with our environmental policies and regularly review investments to ensure that they do not conflict with the Articles of the Trust.
Implement an environmental action plan to support our environmental policy.
Martin Mere visitor code
Wherever we go and whatever we do, we have an impact.
There are many ways in which you can get involved during your visit to help look after our beautiful area and ensure it is just as special on your next visit. This will also support our commitment to sustainable tourism.
1. Why not get out of the car - walking, riding and cycling are great ways to explore the area without adding to the traffic and you'll find there are fantastic places to visit right on your doorstep!
2. Stay local, eat local, buy local and see local - Lancashire has gained a reputation for fine food and local produce, so why not seek out famers' markets, village stores, pubs and cafes and make a real difference to the local communities.
3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - support us in our efforts to reduce waste.
4. Switch off... and save energy - in rural Lancashire you can see the stars at night! Help us reduce energy use and C02 emissions by switching off lights and standby buttons when you don't need them. Help us reduce water consumption by using just the water you need.
5. Follow the Countryside Code - the Countryside Code reminds us all to protect, respect and enjoy: look after plants and animals, take litter away; leave gates and property as you find them; keep dogs under close control; and consider other people.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, Ufford, Suffolk
Upper Ufford is a pleasant place, and known well enough in Suffolk. Pretty much an extension northwards of Woodbridge and Melton, it is a prosperous community, convenient without being suburban. Ufford Park Hotel is an enjoyable venue in to attend professional courses and conferences, and the former St Audrey's mental hospital grounds across the road are now picturesque with luxury flats and houses. And I am told that the Ufford Park golf course is good, too, for those who like that kind of thing.
But as I say, that Ufford is really just an extension of Melton. In fact, there is another Ufford. It is in the valley below, more than a mile away along narrow lanes and set in deep countryside beside the Deben, sits Lower Ufford. To reach it, you follow ways so rarely used that grass grows up the middle. You pass old Melton church, redundant since the 19th century, but still in use for occasional exhibitions and performances, and once home to the seven sacrament font that is now in the plain 19th century building up in the main village. Eventually, the lane widens, and you come into the single street of a pretty, tiny hamlet, the church tower hidden from you by old cottages and houses. In one direction, the lane to Bromeswell takes you past Lower Ufford's delicious little pub, the White Lion. A stalwart survivor among fast disappearing English country pubs, the beer still comes out of barrels and the bar is like a kitchen. I cannot think that a visit to Ufford should be undertaken without at least a pint there. And, at the other end of the street, set back in a close between cottages, sits the Assumption, its 14th century tower facing the street, a classic Suffolk moment.
The dedication was once that of hundreds of East Anglian churches, transformed to 'St Mary' by the Reformation and centuries of disuse before the 19th century revival, but revived both here and at Haughley near Stowmarket. In late medieval times, it coincided with the height of the harvest, and in those days East Anglia was Our Lady's Dowry, intensely Catholic, intimately Marian.
The Assumption was almost certainly not the original dedication of this church. There was a church here for centuries before the late middle ages, and although there are no traces of any pre-Conquest building, the apse of an early-Norman church has been discovered under the floor of the north side of the chancel. The current chancel has a late Norman doorway, although it has been substantially rebuilt since, and in any case the great glories of Ufford are all 15th century. Perhaps the most dramatic is the porch, one of Suffolk's best, covered in flushwork and intriguing carvings.
Ufford's graveyard is beautiful; wild and ancient. I wandered around for a while, spotting the curious blue crucifix to the east of the church, and reading old gravestones. One, to an early 19th century gardener at Ufford Hall, has his gardening equipment carved at the top. The church is secretive, hidden on all sides by venerable trees, difficult to photograph but lovely anyway. I stopped to look at it from the unfamiliar north-east; the Victorian schoolroom, now a vestry, juts out like a small cottage. I walked back around to the south side, where the gorgeous porch is like a small palace against the body of the church. I knew the church would be open, because it is every day. And then, through the porch, and down into the north aisle, into the cool, dim, creamy light.
On the afternoon of Wednesday, 21st August 1644, Ufford had a famous visitor, a man who entered the church in exactly the same way, a man who recorded the events of that day in his journal. There were several differences between his visit and the one that I was making, one of them crucial; he found the church locked. He was the Commissioner to the Earl of Manchester for the Imposition in the Eastern Association of the Parliamentary Ordinance for the Demolishing of Monuments of Idolatry, and his name was William Dowsing.
Dowsing was a kind of 17th century political commissar, travelling the eastern counties and enforcing government legislation. He was checking that local officials had carried out what they were meant to do, and that they believed in what they were doing. In effect, he was getting them to work and think in the new ways that the central government required. It wasn't really a witch hunt, although God knows such things did exist in abundance at that time. It was more as if an arm of the state extended and worked its fingers into even the tiniest and most remote parishes. Anyone working in the public sector in Britain in the early years of the 21st century will have come across people like Dowsing.
As a part of his job, Dowsing was an iconoclast, charged with ensuring that idolatrous images were excised from the churches of the region. He is a man blamed for a lot. In fact, virtually all the Catholic imagery in English churches had been destroyed by the Anglican reformers almost a hundred years before Dowsing came along. All that survived was that which was difficult to destroy - angels in the roofs, gable crosses, and the like - and that which was inconvenient to replace - primarily, stained glass. Otherwise, in the late 1540s the statues had been burnt, the bench ends smashed, the wallpaintings whitewashed, the roods hauled down and the fonts plastered over. I have lost count of the times I have been told by churchwardens, or read in church guides, that the hatchet job on the bench ends or the font in their church was the work of 'William Dowsing' or 'Oliver Cromwell'. In fact, this destruction was from a century earlier than William Dowsing. Sometimes, I have even been told this at churches which Dowsing demonstrably did not visit.
Dowsing's main targets included stained glass, which the pragmatic Anglican reformers had left alone because of the expense of replacing it, and crosses and angels, and chancel steps. We can deduce from Dowsing's journal which medieval imagery had survived for him to see, and that which had already been hidden - not, I hasten to add, because people wanted to 'save' Catholic images, but rather because this was an expedient way of getting rid of them. So, for example, Dowsing visited three churches during his progress through Suffolk which today have seven sacrament fonts, but Dowsing does not mention a single one of them in his journal; they had all been plastered over long ago.
In fact, Dowsing was not worried so much about medieval survivals. What concerned him more was overturning the reforms put in place by the ritualist Archbishop Laud in the 1630s. Laud had tried to restore the sacramental nature of the Church, primarily by putting the altar back in the chancel and building it up on raised steps. Laud had since been beheaded thanks to puritan popular opinion, but the evidence of his wickedness still filled the parish churches of England. The single order that Dowsing gave during his progress more than any other was that chancel steps should be levelled.
The 21st of August was a hot day, and Dowsing had much work to do. He had already visited the two Trimley churches, as well as Brightwell and Levington, that morning, and he had plans to reach Baylham on the other side of Ipswich before nightfall. Much to his frustration, he was delayed at Ufford for two hours by a dispute between the church wardens over whether or not to allow him access.
The thing was, he had been here before. Eight months earlier, as part of a routine visit, he had destroyed some Catholic images that were in stained glass, and prayer clauses in brass inscriptions, but had trusted the churchwardens to deal with a multitude of other sins, images that were beyond his reach without a ladder, or which would be too time-consuming. This was common practice - after all, the churchwardens of Suffolk were generally equally as puritan as Dowsing. It was assumed that people in such a position were supporters of the New Puritan project, especially in East Anglia. Dowsing rarely revisited churches. But, for some reason, he felt he had to come back here to make sure that his orders had been carried out.
Why was this? In retrospect, we can see that Ufford was one of less than half a dozen churches where the churchwardens were uncooperative. Elsewhere, at hundreds of other churches, the wardens welcomed Dowsing with open arms. And Dowsing only visited churches in the first place if it was thought there might be a problem, parishes with notorious 'scandalous ministers' - which is to say, theological liberals. Richard Lovekin, the Rector of Ufford, had been turned out of his living the previous year, although he survived to return when the Church of England was restored in 1660. But that was in the future. Something about his January visit told Dowsing that he needed to come back to Ufford.
Standing in the nave of the Assumption today, you can still see something that Dowsing saw, something which he must have seen in January, but which he doesn't mention until his second visit, in the entry in his journal for August 21st, which appears to be written in a passion. This is Ufford's most famous treasure, the great 15th century font cover.
It rises, six metres high, magnificent and stately, into the clerestory, enormous in its scale and presence. In all England, only the font cover at Southwold is taller. The cover is telescopic, and crocketting and arcading dances around it like waterfalls and forests. There are tiny niches, filled today with 19th century statues. At the top is a gilt pelican, plucking its breast.
Dowsing describes the font cover as glorious... like a pope's triple crown... but this is just anti-Catholic innuendo. The word glorious in the 17th century meant about the same as the word 'pretentious' means to us now - Dowsing was scoffing. But there was no reason for him to be offended by it. The Anglicans had destroyed all the statues in the niches a century before, and all that remained was the pelican at the top, pecking its breast to feed its chicks. Dowsing would have known that this was a Catholic image of the Sacrifice of the Mass, and would have disapproved. But he did not order the font cover to be destroyed. After all, the rest of the cover was harmless enough, apart from being a waste of good firewood, and the awkwardness of the Ufford churchwardens seems to have put him off following through. He never went back.
Certainly, there can have been no theological reason for the churchwardens to protect their font cover. I like to think that they looked after it simply because they knew it to be beautiful, and that they also knew it had been constructed by ordinary workmen of their parish two hundred years before, under the direction of some European master designer. They protected it because of local pride, and amen to that. The contemporary font beneath is of a type more familiar in Norfolk than Suffolk, with quatrefoils alternating with shields, and heads beneath the bowl.
While the font cover is extraordinary, and of national importance, it is one of just several medieval survivals in the nave of the Assumption. All around it are 15th century benches, with superbly characterful and imaginative images on their ends. The best is the bench with St Margaret and St Catherine on it. This was recently on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum as part of the Gothic exhibition. Other bench end figures include a long haired, haloed woman seated on a throne, which may well be a representation of the Mother of God Enthroned, and another which may be the Coronation of the Queen of Heaven. There is also a praying woman in a butterfly headdress, once one of a pair, and a man wearing what appears to be a bowler hat, although I expect it is a helmet of some kind. His beard is magnificent. There are also a number of finely carved animals.
High up in the chancel arch is an unusual survival, the crocketted rood beam that once supported the crucifix, flanked by the grieving Mary and John, with perhaps a tympanum behind depicting the last judgement. These are now all gone, of course, as is the rood loft that once stood in front of the beam and allowed access to it. But below, the dado of the screen survives, with twelve panels. Figures survive on the south side. They have not worn well. They are six female Saints: St Agnes, St Cecilia, St Agatha, St Faith, St Bridget and, uniquely in England, St Florence. Curiously, the head of this last has been, in recent years, surrounded by stars, in imitation of the later Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Presumably this was done in a fit of Anglo-catholic enthusiasm about a century ago.
The arrangement is similar to the south side of the screen at Westhall, and it may even be that the artist was the same. While there is no liturgical reason for having the female Saints on one side and, presumably, male Saints on the other, a similar arrangement exists on several Norfolk screens in the Dereham area.
Much of the character of the church today comes from it embracing, in the early years of the 20th century, Anglo-catholicism in full flood. As at Great Ryburgh in Norfolk, patronage ensured that this work was carried out to the very highest specification under the eye of the young Ninian Comper. Comper is an enthusiast's enthusiast, but I think he is at his best on a small scale like here and Ryburgh. His is the extraordinary war memorial window in the south aisle chapel, dedicated to St Leonard. It depicts Christ carrying his cross on the via dolorosa, but he is aided by a soldier in WWI uniform and, behind him, a sailor. The use of blues is very striking, as is the grain on the wood of the cross which, incidentally, can also be seen to the same effect on Comper's reredos at Ryburgh.
Comper's other major window here is on the north side of the nave. This is a depiction of the Annunciation, although it is the figures above which are most extraordinary. They are two of the Ancient Greek sibyls, Erythrea and Cumana, who are associated with the foretelling of Christ. At the top is a stunning Holy Trinity in the East Anglian style. There are angels at the bottom, and all in all this window shows Comper at the height of his powers.
Stepping into the chancel, there is older glass - or, at least, what at first sight appears to be. Certainly, there are some curious roundels which are probably continental 17th century work, ironically from about the same time that Dowsing was here. They were probably acquired by collectors in the 19th century, and installed here by Victorians. The image of a woman seated among goats is curious, as though she might represent the season of spring or be an allegory of fertility, but she is usually identified as St Agnes. It is a pity this roundel has been spoiled by dripping cement or plaster. Another roundel depicts St Sebastian shot with arrows, and a third St Anthony praying to a cross in the desert. However, the images in 'medieval' glass in the east window are entirely modern, though done so well you might not know. A clue, of course, is that the main figures, St Mary Salome with the infants St James and St John on the left, and St Anne with the infant Virgin on the right, are wholly un-East Anglian in style. In fact, they are 19th century copies by Clayton & Bell of images at All Souls College, Oxford, installed here in the 1970s. I also think that the images of heads below may be modern, but the angel below St Anne is 15th century, and obviously East Anglian, as is St Stephen to the north.
High above, the ancient roofs with their sacred monograms are the ones that Dowsing saw, the ones that the 15th century builders gilt and painted to be beautiful to the glory of God - and, of course, to the glory of their patrons. Rich patronage survived the Reformation, and at the west end of the south aisle is the massive memorial to Sir Henry Wood, who died in 1671, eleven years after the end of the Commonwealth. It is monumental, the wreathed ox heads a severely classical motif. Wood, Mortlock tells us, was Treasurer to the Household of Queen Henrietta Maria.
There is so much to see in this wonderful church that, even visiting time and time again, there is always something new to see, or something old to see in a new way. It is, above all, a beautiful space, and although it no longer maintains its high Anglo-catholic worship tradition, it is is still kept in high liturgical style. It is at once a beautiful art object and a hallowed space, an organic touchstone, precious and powerful.
Displaying the traditional kanzashi hair ornaments, she looks down as her assistants ensure that her shiro-maku wedding dress is hanging perfectly with creases exactly where they're supposed to be. See my Meiji Shrine set for more.
While visiting Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, my grandchildren were enthralled by the escalators. To ensure their safety and prevent any potential mishaps, my wife and daughter accompanied them. As I observed them joyfully riding the escalators, I noticed them entering a beam of light, prompting me to press the button at precisely the right moment.
BTW the photograph captured the attention of the editors of the LFI magazine and was meanwhile added to their Africa/ Middle East Gallery. It’s a rare family photo for me on my website or on Flickr but given the fact that it was recognized by the Leica Magazine I decided to share it also with the followers of my ‘visitor’s digest- bog’ and on my Flickr Photostream - Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
There are several methods that nightscape photographers use to ensure that the stars in our photos are sharp–“tack-sharp” as the worn-out term goes. After several years of trying my best to get those incoming photons to be pin-pricks, it was hard for me to shoot a photo like the one I’m posting today, in which the stars are intentionally OUT of focus!
For my in-focus foreground element, I chose one of the more recent monuments in the Tangmangaroo Anglican Church’s graveyard–near Yass, Australia–with the rising Milky Way’s core blurred, but still colourful, in the background. I focussed on the distinct straight edges of the cross and its plinth, setting my lens to its shallowest depth-of-field to maximise the sky’s fuzzy look.
I used the following equipment and settings to create this image: Canon EOS 6D camera, fitted with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens @ f/1.4 aperture, choosing an exposure time of 10 seconds @ ISO 1600.
Corallorhiza maculata, the Spotted Coralroot orchid.
Corallorhiza maculata has two widespread varieties: v. maculata and v. occidentalis. In Alberta, v. occidentalis is the most common one. The two varieties are normally differentiated by the flaring of the distal portion of the lip, and generally an earlier flowering time compared to var. maculata.
I'm not 100% sure that this is an example of var. maculata.
Two things strongly suggest it: 1) this plant is about 50% open, when all the other nearby C. maculata finished about a month ago, and are maturing seed capsules; 2) the sides of the lip in these flowers are parallel, with only some slight 'ruffles' near their distal portion. I'd be curious to hear feedback from others on this.
Finally, a note about the colour saturation and temperature. This photograph was taken in full sunlight, although with the most awful orange (forest-fire) smoke in the air. This made the sunlight orange! I had a terrible time trying to ensure the white lips looked something close to normal.
Chinook Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Alberta.
IMG_4006-rev2-maculata
The Menindee Lakes is a natural series of lakes that fill with water when the Darling-Baaka River floods. In the 1960s, a series of engineering projects augmented the Menindee Lakes, allowing water to be directed into the lakes and held back or released. This ensured a reliable water supply for the city of Broken Hill, the township of Menindee and secure supply of water for the Lower Darling River and supply to South Australia.
The Menindee Lakes system provides important habitat, nursery and recruitment for native fish, such as the Murray Cod and Golden Perch. It is important habitat for a huge variety of native and migratory bird species. The Menindee Lakes system is vital to the communities of the Far West, providing recreation and amenity, as well as attracting tourism, recreational fishing, horticulture and viticulture.
The Darling-Baaka River is central to the cultural, spiritual and economic lives of the Barkindji people.
The health of the Menindee Lakes and the Darling-Baaka River are intimately linked. The lakes fill from the Darling-Baaka River and water stored in the Menindee Lakes keeps the Lower Darling flowing during dry times. The Great Darling Anabranch is a series of ephemeral creeks, billabongs and lakes that wind their way to the Murray River to the west of the main Darling-Baaka River Channel.
Irrigation expands:
There has been a rapid expansion of irrigation along the rivers in the Northern Basin of the Murray Darling Basin, particularly cotton. Irrigation of cotton has expanded by 4,000% since the 1970s. In 1971 Australia grew 81,000 bales of cotton. By 2012 Australia grew 5.3 million bales. Irrigation dams - Wee Waa
Much of the cotton is grown along the rivers of the Murray Darling in very large irrigation enterprises, with most of the cotton grown on tributaries of the Darling-Baaka River.
Large private storages were built to hold water and other structures were built to capture flood waters. Water licences and water sharing plans allow irrigators to suck huge quantities from the tributaries of the Darling-Baaka even when flows are modest.
The result has been that low and medium flows have virtually stopped flowing down the Darling-Baaka River. Only the largest floods that cannot be captured upstream, or specially protected environmental flows, now make it down to the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling-Baaka River.
An easy target?
After the Millennium Drought exposed just how over-allocated the river systems of the Murray-Darling Basin were, the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was agreed between the Commonwealth and the states. The Plan aimed to make the Murray-Darling Basin system more sustainable by returning more water to the rivers through buying back water licences and other measures to recover water for the environment.
Menindee Slogan Bus:
The irrigation industry views the water flowing into the Menindee Lakes as wasteful and unproductive (not growing crops). They would prefer water to be taken from the Menindee Lakes to meet the targets under the Basin Plan rather than for the irrigation industry to be compelled to use less water. The industry points to the volume of water that evaporates from the Menindee Lakes each year as a key reason to reduce the amount of water flowing into and being stored in the lakes. The amount of water that evaporates from shallow private storages in equally hot and dry climates is rarely mentioned.
Scientists and environmentalists view the water that flows down our rivers, fills wetland and billabongs, and spills over floodplains as highly productive for nature and vital for sustaining complex ecosystems that have evolved over eons. These flows are also vital for replenishing underground aquifers and for sustaining downstream communities and Indigenous cultures.
Some politicians view the Menindee Lakes as an easy target. The population around Menindee is sparse, without much economic or political clout. The birds, fish and wildlife can not vote, lobby or protest. Taking water from the Menindee Lakes system is seen as politically easier than seeking to recover water from loud, well-connected and politically savvy irrigators. The location of the Menindee Lakes in a remote part of NSW that is out of sight and out of mind for many citizens located on the eastern seaboard also makes it hard for the issue to gain political traction.
A plan to decommission the Menindee Lakes:
After the Menindee Lakes filled from a major flood event in Queensland and NSW 2012, they were rapidly emptied by the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the NSW Government. Usually the lakes would hold water for many years after they filled, but by 2014 they were emptied. As a consequence, Broken Hill was in danger of running out of water and the government announced a plan to drill bores to supply the city with low-quality bore water. Locals were outraged at this plan and were concerned that the Menindee Lakes had been deliberately drained so quickly as part of a plan to justify the decommissioning of the lakes.RIP Menindee Lakes
Another flood filled the Menindee Lakes in late 2016, but again they were rapidly drained, almost inexplicably into a flooding river. By then end of 2017 they were again dry just as drought started to bite and Broken Hill was facing another artificial water shortage.
Flush with cash from privatising the electricity networks, the NSW Government spent $500 million building a 270 kilometres water pipeline from the Murray River at Wentworth to Broken Hill. This ended the city’s reliance on the Darling-Baaka River and Menindee Lakes for water supply. Cotton Australia applauded the construction of the pipeline saying in their Annual Report, "The pipeline is a win for the community, the environment and irrigating farmers, and a solution Cotton Australia and its allies have long lobbied for." Meanwhile the local community was concerned that the pipeline would allow the NSW Government to decommission the Menindee Lakes without worrying about Broken Hill's water supply.
Sure enough, plans to reconfigure the Menindee Lakes are back on the table as a project to 'recover water from the environment' under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan's Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism. The NSW Government wants to save up to 100 gigalitres of water each year by reducing the volume water stored in Menindee Lakes by up to 80%. A range of proposals have been put forward for consultation.
The Darling River Action Group has labelled the plans as 'ecological genocide.' They strongly oppose the huge reduction in habitat that will occur if reconfiguration plans go ahead. They worry that changing the times between and length of inundation in the lakes will have a major impact on fish breeding and birdlife. The Barkindji native title holders are also strongly opposed to the plans, with significant concerns about the impact on their culture, community, environment and sacred sites.
Fish kills and dry rivers and lakes:
Fish Kill Menindee In the teeth severe drought, predictions of environmental catastrophe on the Darling River came true as millions of fish floated dead on the surface. Hot weather and a lack of flows led to a blue-green algae bloom that stripped the water of oxygen when it died, suffocating many millions of fish along a length of the Darling-Baaka River. Images of giant Murray Cod many decades old floating on the surface of a stagnant, bright green river shocked Australians. If water had been stored in the Menindee Lakes, a flow of water in the Darling-Baaka River could have been maintained and millions of fish and other creatures would have survived. It was noted that the very large mature Murray Cod that had died would have survived numerous previous droughts, so what had changed?
A report by the Australian Academy of Science concluded:
The conditions leading to this event are an interaction between a severe (but not unprecedented) drought and, more significantly, excess upstream diversion of water for irrigation. Prior releases of water from Menindee Lakes contributed to lack of local reserves.
A small flow in mid-2019 led to a partial revival of the Darling-Baaka River and water in the upper lakes of the Menindee Lakes system. However, the Menindee Lakes and Darling-Baaka River face three major threats:
1) The proposed re-configuration of the Menindee Lakes system;
2) The continuing overallocation of water extraction licences in the Northern Basin of the Murray-Darling system;
3) The extent and proposed licencing of floodplain harvesting, which is capturing huge quantities of water before it can even reach the waterways of the Darling-Baaka River.
Source: Save Menindee Lakes (www.savemenindeelakes.org.au/the_history)