Woolston Eyes wetland hosts 64% of UK's
A restored Cheshire wetland, once a dumping ground, now supports 35 breeding pairs of the rare black-necked grebe, representing 64% of the UK's population.
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 site has been transformed since 2021 into a mosaic of freshwater habitats managed by the RSPB and the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group.
Wetland areas on a dried-out settlement lagoon were revived. Nesting islands were created to attract black-headed gulls, which the grebes nest beside for protection. The new wetlands also provided a wealth of invertebrate food for the birds, which have glossy black and chestnut plumage with tufts of gold feathers behind red eyes.
Population Recovery
In 2023, four pairs of black-necked grebes bred on the newly restored area, raising 15 young. By 2025, the number of recorded pairs had grown to 35. Of these, 29 nested on the newly restored wetland. This total represents 64% of the average number of breeding pairs recorded annually across the UK.
Gavin Thomas, an RSPB ecologist, said the increase shows how effective targeted conservation can be. "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," Thomas stated. "The rapid growth in numbers shows how effective targeted conservation action can be and is a great example of nature thriving when it is given a chance."
Site Management
The Site of Special Scientific Interest in Warrington is also a stronghold for other species like willow tit, pochard and grasshopper warbler. Woolston Eyes relies entirely on rainfall to stay wet. Water can be moved between areas so they can be dried out, refreshed and reflooded. This rotation is important for the black-necked grebe, which will leave wetlands that become too mature.
Thomas added that black-necked grebes are among millions of birds relying on UK wetlands. "Seeing the number of black-necked grebes continuing to increase at Woolston Eyes makes all the hard work worthwhile," he said. He argued that restoring and managing wetlands is vital for species recovery but needs to be scaled up across the UK. The site's success offers a clear model for such efforts.
