Woolston Eyes wetland hosts 64% of UK
A restored Cheshire wetland, once a dumping ground, now supports 64% of Britain's breeding population of the rare black-necked grebe.
A former dumping ground for canal dredgings in Cheshire now hosts 64% of Britain's breeding population of the rare black-necked grebe. The Woolston Eyes wetland was restored and extended by the RSPB and Woolston Eyes Conservation Group starting in 2021.
Since the work began, the area has been transformed into a mix of freshwater pools, reedbeds, willow scrub, and rough grassland. The project specifically revived dried-out wetland areas and created nesting islands to attract black-headed gulls. Black-necked grebes nest beside these gulls for protection from predators.
The new wetlands also provided a rich source of invertebrate food for the birds. They are noted for their glossy black and chestnut coloring and distinctive tufts of gold feathers behind ruby-red eyes.
Population Recovery
The restoration had a rapid and significant impact on the grebe population. In 2023, just four pairs bred in the newly restored area, successfully raising 15 young. By 2025, that number had soared to 35 recorded pairs. Of these, 29 nested on the newly restored wetland.
The site's current total represents 64% of the average annual number of breeding pairs recorded across the entire United Kingdom.
"It is fantastic to see black-necked grebe numbers increasing at Woolston Eyes thanks to the hard work of staff, volunteers and partners to create prime habitat for this rare and attractive species," said RSPB ecologist Gavin Thomas. He stated the growth shows how effective targeted conservation action can be and is a great example of nature thriving when given a chance.
Habitat Management
Woolston Eyes, a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Warrington, is also a stronghold for other species like the willow tit, pochard, and grasshopper warbler. The site relies entirely on rainfall to stay wet, but water can be moved between areas. This allows sections to be dried out, refreshed, and reflooded in a necessary rotation.
This management is important for the black-necked grebe, which will abandon wetlands that become too overgrown or mature.
Thomas added that black-necked grebes are among millions of birds relying on the UK's wetlands. Seeing their numbers continue to increase makes the hard work worthwhile. He argued the project demonstrates that restoring and managing wetlands is vital for species recovery, but such efforts need to be scaled up across the UK.
The project's success is tracked in our stats on species recovery, and similar fixtures for habitat management are documented for other reserves.
