Marton Mere LNR - Discovery Walk 4 of 4 - Changing Seasons

Changing Seasons – Guided Walk at Marton Mere LNR and Lawson Wetland
Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
Time: 09:00 – 12:00

Join the Friends of Marton Mere and Lawson Field for a final guided walk of 2025, exploring the changing face of summer into autumn as autumn begins to take hold across Lawson Wetland, Lawson Field and Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve.

As we walk, we will look for the last of the swallows, martins and warblers gathering and feeding up for their long journey south, while wildfowl such as teal and wigeon start to arrive for the winter ahead. Insects like dragonflies and butterflies will still be on the wing, particularly if we have a warm sunny day, though their numbers are beginning to dwindle as cooler nights draw in. Mammals will be busy feeding, building up fat reserves or caching food in preparation for leaner months.

The plants around us also reflect this seasonal shift: hedgerows and meadows are bursting with berries, seeds and nuts that sustain both birds and mammals, while trees begin their slow turn of colour before leaf fall. Fungi start to appear, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and the dampening ground provides ideal conditions for amphibians seeking safe places to hibernate.

This peaceful and informative walk is a chance to witness how wildlife and habitats prepare for the coming winter, and to learn how our volunteers manage the reserve over the winter period to ensure it remains in the best possible condition for the many species that depend on it across the winter and is ready for the spring arrivals when they come back.

All are welcome. Please wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear.

Bring binoculars if you have them, a notebook and a camera to document your observations would also be useful. However, the walk will be fully guided and the guides will have access to all of this equipment and plenty of information and will happily share its use with the guests.