WWT Martin Mere partners with CMA CGM in large-scale restoration project

WWT Martin Mere, a reserve near Ormskirk, Lancashire covers 600 acres and will undergo a three-year restoration project to return the site to peak condition, funded by CMA CGM.

Martin Mere was established in 1974 and opened to the general public in 1975 and attracts 200,000 visitors each year. The site is a designated SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), an SPA (Special Protection Area) and a Ramsar Site (a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention). However, a lack of funding means that the wetland habitat has been unable to reach its full potential.

The 3-year project will improve the habitat for rare and endangered species, wetland grassland and reedbeds, boost flood resilience and water quality, and create “access for all.

The restoration of the site will involve:

• lowland wet grassland and reedbed restoration and management through the cutting and removing of invasive vegetation and ditch renovation
• water quality improvement through the installation of new pumps, tilting weirs and sluices, and
• creating access for all by replacing tracks, installing new benches and signage.

Louise Greenwood, Reserve Manager at WWT Martin Mere, said: “Each year, our wetlands at WWT Martin Mere provide a safe sanctuary for over a hundred thousand wetland birds and give visitors a chance to see this breathtaking wildlife up close.  “We’re delighted to welcome CMA CGM as a partner, to join us on our mission to restore and protect these vital habitats and make sure more people can connect with nature and appreciate its wonders.”

CMA CGM UK employees will also be involved in volunteering during the project, lending their hands to some of the restoration initiatives throughout the three-year period, with some already having taken part in scrub clearance and rebuilding hedges.

John Blessington, Regional Director CMA CGM Group Europe, said: “At CMA CGM we are committed to sustainable growth. On a Group level we have invested significantly in decarbonising our fleet and have committed to reaching Net Zero by 2050. Alongside this, our environmental, social and societal responsibilities are also acted upon on a daily basis in each and every country where we operate.

“We are incredibly proud to be funding the restoration of a key wetland centre such as Martin Mere. Wetlands are vital to help fight the climate and biodiversity crises. The centre is known to many of our staff who have fond memories of school trips there and they are looking forward to learning more and being part of the site’s transformation.”

WWT

WWT Wetland Centres are full of life and rich with sights and sounds. Through accessible, sensory and seasonal experiences in the fresh wetlands air, we show visitors how they can play their part for wetlands and help to restore them, whilst highlighting how much wetlands can enrich our lives and our natural world.

CMA CGM’s sustainability strategy is an integral part of its business operations, built around three pillars (people, planet and fair trade) and 12 priorities, linked to the UN’s sustainable development goals.  Since 2021 the Group has sought to invest in ‘flagship biodiversity projects’ such as Martin Mere, to protect and conserve threatened species around the world.