Woolston Eyes becomes UK stronghold for rare black-necked grebe

The Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve in Cheshire has become a primary sanctuary for the rare black-necked grebe. Following extensive conservation efforts that began in 2021, the site now hosts approximately 64% of the United Kingdom’s breeding population of the species.

Formerly a dumping ground for material dredged from the Manchester Ship Canal, the nearly 1,000-acre site has been transformed into a mosaic of freshwater pools, reedbeds, willow scrub, and rough grassland. The restoration strategy involved creating specialized nesting islands designed to attract black-headed gulls. This is a deliberate ecological tactic, as black-necked grebes often nest alongside these gulls to gain protection from predators.

The reserve is managed through a collaboration between the RSPB and the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group. It is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and supports various other species, including the willow tit, pochard, and grasshopper warbler.