The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) has officially launched a new visitor experience at its Martin Mere Wetland Centre near Burscough, Lancashire - Canoe Safari.

Last June, work commenced on the creation of 2.4 hectares (5.9 acres) of new reed bed, wet woodland and wet grassland to enable visitors to explore the site's biodiversity by canoe.

Part-financed by the Northwest Regional Development Agency, the self-guided canoe safari will allow three people to explore animal and bird species from a Canadian-style vessel.

Lancashire Environmental Fund, SITA Trust, ICET and WWT also provided support to help establish the new experience, alongside a woodland play area and other visitor facilities.

ICET secretary Angela Haymonds said: "The new canoe safari will ensure that visitors can get up close to the wetlands and the wildlife that exists within them."

The safari will be open every day until 31 October. Details: www.wwt.org.uk/martinmere