Marton Mere Native Species Project

Blackpool Zoo is working to improve access to nature and community wellbeing, all whilst helping to protect one of Lancashire’s last remaining natural waterbodies and its resident biodiversity.

Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is the only local nature reserve within Blackpool and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Following the allocation of funding towards native species conservation, the Marton Mere Native Species project was approved and work began in spring 2024. After working with the Friends of Marton Mere Group, gaining an in-depth understanding of the site and collaborative potential, a 5-year plan was produced to guide and deliver Blackpool Zoo’s goal for the native species project at the site until 2029.

You can read our Marton Mere Project 5-year plan here.

About Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve
Project Goals and Aims

About Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve

Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve is the only local nature reserve within Blackpool and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located approximately one mile from the zoo. As one of only two natural waterbodies remaining in the county, Marton Mere is a truly unique site. With over 100 different species of birds, small mammals, bats, and some very rare plants, Marton Mere can only be described as a wildlife haven and a truly special place in the community.

Since 2024, we have been working alongside other community stakeholders to educate young people about native species, fund and design native species interpretation, and formulate plans to help contribute to the designation of the nature reserve through research and monitoring of key species. The project has allowed zoo staff to remain committed to wider conservation efforts and act as valued members of the local community through this native species project.

Project Goals and Aims

Ultimate goal:

To establish a community-driven native species conservation project in partnership with other major stakeholders, working to conserve and promote Marton Mere SSSI, Blackpool Zoo and the surrounding habitats for biodiversity.

Aims of the project:

To create a working partnership between Blackpool Zoo and relevant stakeholders, contributing to the maintenance of the target sites for the benefit of biodiversity.
To contribute to scientific research at the target sites through ecological surveys, social research and measures of conservation impact.
To support learning programmes with a native species and ecosystems input, reaching a diverse audience with outreach at the site, at the zoo and online.
Ultimately establish a reintroduction programme for Blackpool Zoo to actively manage, including the breeding, care, release and post-release monitoring of at least one species at the site.

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