Lancashire recommends...animal parks

Looking for a place to take the children to see local wildlife? Here are our recommendations.
Lego animals at Martin MereLego animals at Martin Mere
Lego animals at Martin Mere

Martin Mere, Burscough

Martin Mere has more than 100 types of rare and endangered water-birds to hand feed, a family of otters in residence, a playground for young adventurers, an eco-garden and a rolling programme of events, walks and talks.

Seasonal attractions include the duckling nursery, open from late May, the canoe safari and boat tour experience and Lego trail of animals. There is also den building, bug hunts and pond dipping sessions every weekend. Spring and summer allows visitors to see new life develop, with ducklings, goslings, cygnets and chicks. In autumn, up to 40,000 pink-footed geese use the reserve as a stopping point on their migration from Iceland and in winter, many thousands of wild ducks, geese and swans flock over. Adults £12.60, concessions £9.20, children £6.

Turbary Woods, Whitestake

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Turbary Woods Rescue and rehabilitation centre, near Lostock Hall, offers a unique collection of more than 90 birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures and more unusual species.

Visitors can see how the birds fly during demonstrations, and even hold a few species.

All the birds are housed in large open fronted aviaries, sheltered in a woodland setting.

Other facilities include a cafe, children’s play area and a large garden centre. Entry is £5 for adults and £3 for children and pensioners.

Bowland Wild Boar Park, Chipping

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Bowland Wild Boar Park is a family run business, set in 65 acres in the heart of the Forest of Bowland. Enjoy a picnic or go for a ramble around the footpaths of the park whilst viewing wild boars, meerkats, llamas, wallabys, red squirrels, pet lambs and many more animals.

Lamb feeding is 11am, 2pm and 4.30pm, followed by chick stroking. Children can also play on the Straw Barn Play Area and families can enjoy the tractor and trailer rides for an additional charge.

Entry is £7.50 for adults and £7 for children and pensioners.

Farmer Parr's, Fleetwood

There are 12 acres of paddocks, ponds and walkways plus large undercover barns at Farmer Parr’s, in Fleetwood.

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Daily events include tractor and pony rides, animal shows and feeding, and animal petting. Presentations and talks are also arranged for schools and other group visits. Visitors can also take a trip down memory lane in the country life museum or paint a pot in The Pottery Studio run by Autism Initiative. Special annual events include Halloween and Easter, as well as fun at scarecrow festivals. Entry is £6.50 for adults and £5.50 for children and concessions.

Farmer Ted's, Ormskirk

An interactive children’s activity park, which includes ferret racing, a guinea-pig village, tractor rides, a jungle-themed reptile house, an adventure play area, a go kart track and birds of prey demonstrations. It is also home of the popular Farmageddon Halloween activity.

NEXT WEEK: Lancashire recommends fancy dress shops. Any suggestions? Email [email protected] or tweet @NWalkerLEP

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