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Overview

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• About View
  • Martin Mere is a wetlands and wildlife centre with multiple facilities for all visitors.
  • Services available in the venue include: a gift shop, café, craft rooms, education facilities and exhibition spaces, picnic areas, canoe safari and boat tours, nature trails and bird hides.
  • View information on opening times
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The nearest train station is Burscough Interchange.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: some of the bird hides, which have ramps and/or slopes.
  • The following areas have stepped access: some of the bird hides, which have steps to reach upper levels.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair, an electric scooter and mobility scooter charging facilities.
  • British Sign Language interpreters can be provided on request.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: large print (on request).
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Staff receive the following training: sighted guide training from UK Guide Dogs, Visit Lancashire (Lancashire / Market Place and I), Understanding Autism, Dementia Friendly Environments, Supporting Neuro Divergent Customers, BSL.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Martin Mere Wetland Centre - Canoe Safari and Boat Tours (opens new tab) .
  • View information on Martin Mere Wetland Centre - Mere Side Cafe (opens new tab) .

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Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 6 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located inside and outside of the Visitor Centre, Mere Side Café, Canoe Safari and Boat Tours, and close to the Raines Hide.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male and female toilet facilities are located inside and outside of the Visitor Centre and close to the Raines Hide.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located inside and outside the Visitor Centre, Mere Side Café, Canoe Safari and Boat Tours and close to the Raines Hide.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located directly in front of the visitor centre.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of loose chippings.
  • There are 7 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 280cm (width) x 400cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 140cm.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The nearest designated bay is 40m from main visitor centre entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • There are additional Blue Badge parking bays that are signposted but not marked.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Access To (Visitor Centre). Skip to the next section.

Access To (Visitor Centre)

• The distance from the Blue Badge parking bays is 40m.
• The most accessible route has slight ramps or slopes, uneven surfaces and automatic doors.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the entrance.
• There is step-free level access to the entrance on the right hand side.
• There are double automatic doors which open by sliding.
• The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 90cm.
• The width of the opening is 118cm.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.

You are on Counter (Admissions and Retail Desk). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Admissions and Retail Desk)

• The counter is located directly ahead after entering.
• The distance from the entrance is 2m.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 91cm.
• There is a lowered section at the counter.
• The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
• There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Getting Around (Gift Shop and Visitor Information Desk). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Gift Shop and Visitor Information Desk)

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
• There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• The gift shop has several product displays in the visitor centre.
  There is a Visitor Information desk in this area, which deals with all visitor enquiries, including trail maps and children's quizzes. The height of the desk is 91cm.

You are on Getting Around (Exhibition Space, Lecture Theatre, Craft and Education Rooms). Skip to the next section.

Getting Around (Exhibition Space, Lecture Theatre, Craft and Education Rooms)

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include narrow walkways and manual doors.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
• There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, benches and stools.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• These areas are bookable for school or other groups and events.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Rushes Play Area). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Rushes Play Area)

• The following is available in this area: a playground with play equipment.
• Outdoor areas consist of wood bark, compact earth and decking.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

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• Playground View
  • There is a fenced play area with an access point over 100cm wide.
  • There is a route around the play equipment which is firm and even, and is at least 150cm wide.
  • The play equipment is within easy reach for seated and standing users and users of different heights.
  • The following play experiences are available: swinging, sliding, rocking, rotating, climbing, balancing, viewing and social play.

You are on Counter (Adventure Playground Kiosk). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Adventure Playground Kiosk)

• The counter is located next to the Rushes Adventure Playground.
• The distance from the Visitor Centre entrance is 45m.
• The most accessible route to the counter has automatic doors, manual doors and uneven surfaces.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 110cm.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (Eco-Garden, Waterfowl Gardens, Wild Walk, Pond Zone, Tours and Exhibits). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (Eco-Garden, Waterfowl Gardens, Wild Walk, Pond Zone, Tours and Exhibits)

• The following is available in this area: a playground, woodland, gardens and open countryside.
• The following is available in this area: bird and animal talks and displays, aviary, flamingo house, smaller playground and tepees.
• Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, loose chippings, grass, compact earth, uncompacted earth, decking and paving slabs.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have uneven surfaces and gates.

You are on Outdoor Spaces (The Nature Trail and Bird Hides). Skip to the next section.

Outdoor Spaces (The Nature Trail and Bird Hides)

• The following is available in this area: open countryside.
• Additional facilities in this area include: a wetland area.
• The following is available in this area: the Janet Kear Hide, Harrier Hide , The United Utilities Hide, The Raines Observatory, Hale Hide, Mere View Hide, The Ron Barker Hide and two lookout points along the trail.
• Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the Janet Kear Hide, The Raines Observatory, Hale Hide, Mere View Hide, The Ron Barker Hide and two lookout points along the trail.
  The Harrier Hide and The United Utilities Hide are accessed via a steep slope.
• The following areas have stepped access: the raised or upper areas in the Janet Kear Hide, the United Utilities Hide and the Ron Barker Hide.
• There are not any seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
• The paths have uneven surfaces and gates.
• Access into the hides include manual doors and narrow openings.
  Seating available in the hides includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.

You are on Access To (The Discovery Hide). Skip to the next section.

Access To (The Discovery Hide)

• The Discovery Hide is one of several hides on the nature trail.
  The trail routes are mostly paved.
  Some hides have different facilities and levels of accessibility.
• The journey time from the Visitor Centre entrance to the Discovery Hide is approximately 5 minutes.
• The most accessible route has ramps or slopes, manual gates, uneven surfaces, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
• There is a slight ramp leading out of the Visitor Centre into the wetland gardens and trails area.
• There is step-free access via slope after the bridge and into the Discovery Hide.
• There are double manual doors which opens towards you.
• One of the doors was locked at the time of the survey.
• The width of the opening is 90cm.
• The second door can be opened if requested.
  The width of the opening is 180cm with both doors open.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Centre - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Visitor Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located outside, to the rear of the Visitor Centre.
  • The distance from the Visitor Centre entrance is 38m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, uneven surfaces, manual doors and automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 200cm (width) x 177cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The vertical grab rails have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 97cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a push tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 101cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 104cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 130cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 96cm.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Raines Observatory - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Raines Observatory - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located opposite the Raines Observatory.
  • The distance from the Visitor Centre entrance is 270m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
  • There is step-free access via ramp into the facility.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide .
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 200cm (width) x 177cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown rails have a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 97cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a push tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 101cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 104cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 130cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 96cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

You are on Changing Places (Visitor Centre - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Changing Places (Visitor Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located inside the Visitor Centre, via the corridor past the Exhibition Space.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • The distance from the Visitor Centre entrance is 35m.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 407cm (width) x 226cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 81cm.
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 95cm from the floor.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
  • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses the changing bench.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a fixed height wash basin.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a push tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
  • There are paper towels for drying hands.
  • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The facility has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 160cm from the floor.
  • A privacy screen is not available.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exit. Skip to the next section.

Exit

• The exit area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the exit.
• There are double automatic doors at this exit.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 118cm.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free access via slope as you exit.
• The slope has a slight gradient.