Europe's longest stepping stones open in time for the summer holidays - in Lancashire

Families of all ages are being invited to step into a brand-new adventure this summer as WWT Martin Mere, based in Burscough, unveils Europe's longest continuous stepping stones.

Stretching an impressive 68 metres across the water, the attraction features 143 stepping stones, creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of wetlands.

The stepping stones offer an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying an exciting adventure. They form part of WWT Martin Mere's recently created wet meadow and self-guided bug hunting area, which opened last summer, where visitors can pick up an identification chart and discover the fascinating miniature wildlife that calls wetlands home, from colourful insects to fascinating pond creatures.

After crossing the stepping stones, visitors can continue exploring via two unique walking routes through the wet meadow: a dry path winding through vibrant wildflowers, or a wet route along the sunken walkway for those wanting an even closer encounter with wetland habitats.

Martin Mere marketing officer Harriet Koppel said: "The stepping stones are Europe's, if not the world's, longest stretch of continuous stepping stones. The next set of stepping stones that competes with ours is in Japan, but they are not a continuous stretch of stepping stones, so technically, we are the longest in the world!"

WWT (Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust) Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Wetland Charity is a protected wetland nature reserve and visitor center in Lancashire which opened in 1975.

The trust have introduced 600 acres of wetlands, including new attractions such as the Pond Zone, Wet Play area and Canoe Safari. Visitors can also discover some of the most eye-catching water birds from around the world including impressive flocks of Greater and Chilean flamingos, Hawaiian geese, Southern screamers, common cranes and black swans.

The attraction opens in time for the school summer holidays and the return of WWT Martin Mere's popular Dragonfly Festival, running until August 31.

Martin Mere is open everyday from 9:30am until 6pm during the summer.