Martin Mere Wetland Centre re-opens after temporarily closer due to suspected Avian Influenza

​THE Martin Mere Wetland Centre, located in:- Burscough, Lancashire, between:- Preston and Southport, has reopened after a temporarily closer following the detection of a possible case of Avian Influenza (AI), commonly known as bird flu.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust's Centre has issued the following statement:- "We closed our doors on:- Thursday, 23 October 2025, according to Government guidelines. Since then, we've been working with the relevant Government agencies to take measures to protect the birds at our Wetland Centre. Testing, conducted by the UK Government's Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), confirms we have avian influenza in some of our collection birds. These birds reside in an enclosed area, away from areas used by visitors. A full inspection of the site has been conducted, and strict measures have been put in place, to contain the bird disease and to protect the rest of our collection birds, our staff and visitors. We're therefore pleased to be able to reopen to visitors as normal. Both APHA and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advise that the risk to public health from the virus is very low. If you booked to visit us while we were closed, your admission tickets are still valid on any alternative date. We’re looking forward to seeing you this week, and sharing the magic of autumn at the wetlands centre with you."

​What is Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)?

​Avian Influenza (AI), or bird flu, is an infectious disease of birds caused by influenza A viruses. These viruses naturally circulate among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and mammal species.

• ​Transmission - AI viruses are shed in the droppings and respiratory secretions of infected birds. They can be spread through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, or contaminated equipment, vehicles, clothing, or footwear. Wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are often the reservoir for the viruses.
  ​

• Severity - AI viruses are generally classified as low pathogenic (LPAI) or highly pathogenic (HPAI) based on their ability to cause disease. The H5N1 strain, which has caused recent international concern and is often associated with outbreaks in the UK, is a type of HPAI and is particularly dangerous to birds.

​Signs of Avian Influenza in Birds...

​Recognizing the signs of bird flu is crucial for quick reporting and control. Signs can vary widely depending on the strain and the species of bird, but key indicators in domestic poultry or wild birds often include...

​Clinical Signs in Birds:-

• Sudden death- This may be the only sign, particularly with highly pathogenic strains.
  

• Swollen head, eyelids, comb, and wattles.
  ​

• Purple discoloration of the comb, wattles, and legs.
  ​

• Respiratory distress - Coughing, sneezing, gurgling, and nasal/ocular discharge.
  ​

• Nervous signs - Tremors, paralysis, twisted neck, or unusual positioning.
  ​

• Lethargy and depression - Birds appear quiet, listless, and unwilling to move.
  ​

• Reduced appetite and water intake.
  ​

• Significant drop in egg production or the laying of soft shelled or misshapen eggs.
  ​

• Diarrhea.

​If multiple wild birds are found sick or dead in the same area, this should be reported immediately.

​Public Health and Local Response

​The risk to the public from bird flu is generally considered very low. Most strains of the virus do not infect humans easily. However, in rare cases, certain HPAI strains, like H5N1, can infect people who have had close, prolonged, or unprotected contact with infected birds or heavily contaminated environments.

​Local bird keepers in a:- 2 mile radius (approximately kilometre) Protection Zone and a:- 6 mile radius (approximately 10 kilometre) Surveillance Zone (the radii of which are typically set by the UK Government) must now adhere to strict biosecurity and movement restrictions as mandated by the relevant Government agencies (like DEFRA in the UK). These restrictions usually include:-

• ​Housing or Netting - Moving all captive birds indoors or ensuring they are kept strictly separate from wild birds, often by using solid roofs and netting.
  

• ​Movement Restrictions - Placing a ban on the movement of poultry, eggs, meat, and poultry waste out of or into the zones, except under licence.
  

• ​Biosecurity - Implementing rigorous biosecurity measures, such as disinfection of clothing, footwear, and vehicles when entering and leaving bird premises.
  

• ​Reporting - Legally required to report any signs of disease in their flocks immediately.

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is not the only place to have been affected as a case of avian influenza, as it was also confirmed in a flock of 32,000 free-range laying hens in:- Denbighshire, by:- The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) on:- Sunday, 25 October 2025.

If you find a sick or dead bird out in the wild, please do not touch it or pick it up. Please report via Defra. More information please visit:- Gov.UK.

More information about the centre can be found online at:- WWT.Org.UK.

You can access a live up-to-date interactive map of reported wild bird mortality and findings of avian influenza virus (bird flu) in wild birds and wild mammals from the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) wildlife surveillance programme on the APHA website.

Liverpool announces Remembrance Sunday service details
Photos by Major (RTD) Roy Bevan MBE..

LIVERPOOL City Council's annual Remembrance Service will take place on:- Sunday, 9 November 2025, on the Plateau, at St George's Hall.  This year's service holds special significance as it commemorates the 80th Anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe and the Far East.  The event will honour the sacrifices of those who served, those currently serving, and those who gave their lives in conflict.

The Band of The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and The Pipes and Drums of The Liverpool Scottish Regimental Association will play from 10.40am, in the run up to the start of the service.

There will also be performances from the Liverpool Gospel Choir, PopVox Choir, St Edward's College Senior Choir, and Liverpool Mezzo Soprano Danielle Louise Thomas.

Among those participating will be John Dennett, a 101 year old Royal Navy veteran who served as a gunner during the D-Day landings. John is expected to lay a wreath.

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine will also be recognised for its historic work with Far East POWs. Images from their archives will be displayed during the service, with insights provided by Professor Geoff Gill.

The service is open to all, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Please note that road closures will be in place from 7:00am to 1:00pm in the surrounding area, including:- William Brown Street, London Road, Lime Street, and Queens Square Bus Station. Full details are listed below.

At 11:00am, a field gun will be fired by 208 Battery, 103 Regiment Royal Artillery to mark the start of a two-minute silence, followed by a second firing at 11:02am.

Following the silence, the traditional wreath-laying and service by key civic, military and religious leaders and Cadets, the parade will then march from St George's Plateau to salute the Cenotaph.

A new artwork by Neil Walker, a hugely talented Lego architect who works for Liverpool City Council's Crematoria team, has been designed in the form of a Victory in Japan commemoration Lego Poppy.

The artwork will be on display in the Heritage Area of St George's Hall for visitors to view in the days leading up to:- Sunday 9 November 2025. Following Remembrance Sunday, it will be displayed in the Hall of Remembrance at Liverpool Town Hall.

The Town Hall, St George's Hall and Cunard building will be lit up red from:- Friday 7 November to Sunday 9 November 2025, to mark the Remembrance weekend.

The large poppies will be displayed on the Town hall balcony and the Bombed-Out Church leading up to remembrance. The church is open to the public on:- Sunday, 9 November 2025.

The following road closures will be in place:-

1. William Brown Street from Byrom Street, between:- 7:00am to 1:00pm.

2. London Road between:- Seymour Street and Lime Street, between:-  9:30am to 1:00pm.

3. Commutation Row between:- Islington and Lime Street, between:-  9:30am to 1:00pm.

4. Islington between:- Fraser Street and Commutation Row, between:-  9:30am to 1:00pm.

5. Lime Street between:- London Road and Copperas Hill, between:-  9:30am to 1:00pm.

6. St. Johns Lane and St. George's Place between:- Old Haymarket and Lime Street, between:-  9:30am to 1:00pm.

7. Skelhorne Street between:- Bolton Street and Lime Street, between:-  9:30am to 1:00pm.

8. Queens Square Bus Station will be closed from, between:-  9:30am to 1:00pm.

Access for the Holiday Inn Hotel and St John's car park will be facilitated from Elliot Street / Lime Street junction.

All closures will be signed and stewarded. They will remain in force only for as long as is deemed necessary.

Cllr Barbara Murray, Lord Mayor of Liverpool, said:- "I am deeply honoured to stand with our community in remembrance of those who gave so much in the pursuit of peace. This year's service, marking 80 years since VE Day and VJ Day, reminds us of the extraordinary courage and sacrifice shown by generations past. Liverpool has always been a City of resilience and compassion, and this event is a powerful reflection of our shared commitment to honouring history and those who shaped it."

Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:- "Liverpool's Annual Service of Remembrance is a deeply significant moment for our City. This year, as we mark the 80th Anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, we honour not only the courage and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, but also the enduring spirit of unity that defines our communities. The Cenotaph at St George's Hall remains a powerful symbol of reflection and respect, and I encourage everyone to join us in paying tribute to our veterans and all those affected by conflict."

Readers should not that on the Wirral Peninsula, not all events will be taking place. Although Wirral Council remains committed to supporting community led events and they regret that the Upton Parade could not proceed this year. Organisers have cancelled the Parades over safety fears linked to May 2025 Liverpool car ramming incident. In a press release Wirral Council has said that:- "The Upton service is:- 1 of 8 independent Remembrance services which takes place in Wirral and the Council has worked with the organisers of seven of these to successfully to enable their Remembrance events to go ahead safely" Adding:- "Services will still be held at:- Cenotaph, Hamilton Square; Christ Church, Kings Road Bebington; Barnabus Church, Bromborough; War Memorial, Bromborough; St Oswalds Church, Bidston; Grange Hill, West Kirby; St Peters, Heswall; Cenotaph, Moreton; New Brighton, Vale Park; War Memorial, Prenton; War Memorial, Port Sunlight; War Memorial, Eastham; War Memorial, Thornton Hough; also at:- War Memorial, St Hilary's Church, Wallasey Village."