Lancashire recommends...animal parks
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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Hide AdTurbary 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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Hide AdBowland 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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Hide AdDaily 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