The trail features lay-bys for tree sparrow watching

The mile-long trail links 12 hides and reaches an area of farmland the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is transforming into a new wildlife haven.

The �34,000 trail will be opened in a special ceremony at Martin Mere, near Ormskirk, at noon on Wednesday.

The trail was funded by the Lancashire Environmental Fund and Lancashire County Council. It is fully accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Centre manager Pat Wisniewski said: "Over the years we have prided ourselves on being accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

"Our old nature trail was one of the few to be covered in tarmac, making it an easy ride for wheelchair users.

"Our new trail is now even wider and smoother and we've even provided lay-bys for tree sparrow watching."