Restored wetland becomes haven for rare birds

Black necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis, is a black bird with brown sides and yellow feathers on its face. This one is an individual swimming in water at a wetland habitat.

Image source, RSPB/Ben AndrewImage caption,

Rare black-necked grebes have made their home at Woolston Eyes near Warrington

ByGeorgie Docker, North West and Judy Hobson, North West environment and transport correspondent

Published24 minutes ago

A restored wetland in Cheshire is now home to almost two-thirds of the UK's breeding black-necked grebes, one of the country's rarest breeding birds.

Woolston Eyes, near Warrington, was previously a dumping ground for dredging from the Manchester Ship Canal. It is now the site of the country's largest colony of the species.

Black-necked grebes are known for their distinctive golden facial tufts and average about 55 breeding pairs in the UK each year, according to the RSPB, external.

"It is fantastic to see black-necked grebe numbers increasing at Woolston Eyes," RSPB ecologist Gavin Thomas said. "The rapid growth in numbers shows how effective targeted conservation action can be."

A large meadow area with trees in the background. In the foreground a sign reads: 'Meadows and Screens' with an arrow pointing left - and 'Viewing Hides' with an arrow pointing right.

Image source, GalatasImage caption,

Woolston Eyes is managed by RSPB wardens and the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group

Since 2021, Woolston Eyes has been transformed from a former dredging site into a network of freshwater pools and reedbeds.

Black-necked grebes were already breeding on a nearby wetland when four pairs nested on the newly restored site in 2023, successfully raising 15 young.

By 2025, the RSPB had recorded 35 breeding pairs across the reserve - with 29 nesting in the newly restored wetland area.

A black necked grebe looking forward in a close-up head on shot. It is black bird with yellow feathers on its face and bright red eyes.

Image source, RSPB/Ben AndrewImage caption,

Black-necked grebes have striking tufts of golden feathers and bright red eyes

Robin Horner, from the RSPB, described the growth in numbers as "pretty amazing".

"This spring they had over 60 birds present on site," he said.

"It doesn't sound a lot but when you consider how scarce it is in the UK it's pretty amazing.

"It's one of those real success stories where industry and wildlife can actually work together."

A man with grey hair is wearing a blue polo shirt and black gilet. He is standing in front of wetlands.

Image caption,

Robin Horner, RSPB, said the conservation project is a real 'success story'

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