Woolston Eyes in Cheshire, previously a dumping ground for dredgings from the Manchester Ship Canal, has become the leading location in Britain for the rare black-necked grebe. The site now supports 64% of the UK's breeding population of the species.
Since 2021, the area has undergone restoration and extension, transforming into a diverse habitat of freshwater pools, reedbeds, willow scrub, and rough grassland. This work is managed by the RSPB and the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group.
The restoration included reviving wetland areas and creating nesting islands to attract black-headed gulls, which provide protection for nesting black-necked grebes. The wetlands also offer a new source of invertebrate food for the birds.
In 2023, four pairs of black-necked grebes bred in the newly restored area, successfully raising 15 young. By 2025, the number of recorded breeding pairs increased to 35, with 29 nesting on the restored wetland.
Gavin Thomas, an RSPB ecologist, highlighted the effectiveness of targeted conservation efforts. He stated that the rapid growth in numbers demonstrates "nature thriving when it is given a chance." Woolston Eyes, a site of special scientific interest in Warrington, also supports other rare species such as willow tit, pochard, and grasshopper warbler.