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Woolston Eyes restoration boosts black-necked grebes to 35 pairs

8/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

RSPB and Woolston Eyes Conservation Group restored Woolston Eyes in Cheshire for black-necked grebes.
Woolston Eyes now hosts 64% of Britain’s breeding black-necked grebe population.
Pairs rose from four in 2023 to 35 by 2025, with 29 nesting on the restored wetlands.
Four pairs bred successfully in 2023, raising 15 young grebes.
RSPB ecologist Gavin Thomas said the grebe increase proves targeted conservation works and must be scaled up.

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Story summary

RSPB and Woolston Eyes Conservation Group restored Woolston Eyes in Cheshire for black-necked grebes.
Woolston Eyes now hosts 64% of Britain’s breeding black-necked grebe population.
Pairs rose from four in 2023 to 35 by 2025, with 29 nesting on the restored wetlands.
Four pairs bred successfully in 2023, raising 15 young grebes.
RSPB ecologist Gavin Thomas said the grebe increase proves targeted conservation works and must be scaled up.