Publish date: 30 January 2026
Let’s try and grow our community or nature lovers this World Wetland Day.
Wetlands are water‑rich habitats such as marshes, reedbeds, floodplains and coastal lagoons. They support a huge range of wildlife and offer vital natural services, from improving water quality to storing carbon. They are especially important in the fight against climate change: healthy wetlands lock away significant amounts of carbon, while degraded ones can release it. Protecting and restoring them helps reduce flood risk, supports biodiversity, and strengthens climate resilience.
Here are some fantastic wetland reserves you can explore close to home:
A fantastic wetland reserve north of Southport town centre, offering year‑round wildlife viewing including avocets in summer and huge winter flocks of geese and wigeon.
A major wetland centre with 70+ wetland species, family-friendly trails and accessible wildlife encounters, just a short drive from Merseyside.
A coastal reserve home to hundreds of thousands of waders and seabirds – one of the most dynamic wildlife sites in the region. For broader exploring: The Wildlife Trust’s page lists many reserves across Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside.
