# Woolston Eyes wetland restoration and conservation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/woolston-eyes-wetland-restoration-and-conservation > Updated: 2026-09-14T10:39:20.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. The Woolston Eyes wetland in Cheshire has undergone a significant ecological transformation, evolving from a former dumping ground for Manchester Ship Canal dredgings into a vital sanctuary for wildlife. Since restoration efforts began in 2021, the nearly 1,000-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has been developed into a mosaic of freshwater pools, reedbeds, willow scrub, and rough grassland. A primary success of the project is the establishment of the site as a stronghold for the rare black-necked grebe, which now hosts approximately 64% of the breeding population in the United Kingdom. Managed by the RSPB and the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group, the restoration utilized specialized nesting islands designed to attract black-headed gulls, providing the grebes with protection from predators. In addition to the grebe population growth, the habitat supports various other species, including the willow tit, pochard, and grasshopper warbler. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Woolston Eyes becomes UK stronghold for rare black-necked grebe The Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve in Cheshire now hosts 64% of the UK's breeding black-necked grebe population following successful wetland restoration of a former industrial dumping ground. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/woolston-eyes-becomes-uk-stronghold-for-rare-black-necked-grebe ### 2026-08-28: Woolston Eyes wetland restoration supports rare black-necked grebe population The restored Woolston Eyes wetland in Cheshire now hosts 64% of Britain's breeding black-necked grebe population following successful conservation efforts by the RSPB and local partners. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/woolston-eyes-wetland-restoration-supports-rare-black-necked-grebe-population --- Cite as: Woolston Eyes wetland restoration and conservation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/woolston-eyes-wetland-restoration-and-conservation