The Labour MP for Warrington North joined Brian Martin and Geoff Settle of the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group for a tour of the Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve.
The reserve, which is over 400 hectares, was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1986 to protect its wintering wildfowl, including Teal, Shoveler, and Pochard.
In 2004, the SSSI was revised to include the nationally important breeding population of Black-necked Grebe, Pochard, and Gadwall.
A redevelopment plan in 2006 revealed nationally significant numbers of Frog, Toad, Common Newt, and Great Crested Newt inhabited the reserve.
The 3,000 Great Crested Newts trapped and relocated promoted Woolston Eyes as the second most important site in the UK for the species.
Ms Nichols said: “Thank you so much to Brian and Geoff for my tour of the beautiful Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve, and to Brian for presenting me with a copy of his book ‘Woolston Eyes: From Wasteland to Wetland’ which details its history.
“Brian is such a fountain of knowledge about the site and all the birds that you can see – including some rare Black-necked Grebes which I was lucky enough to spot with my borrowed binoculars under his guidance.
“We really are so fortunate to have such an amazing oasis of calm locally, and so many dedicated volunteers who brought the space into being and protect it.
“While the decision on the future of the viewing platform is one for the council rather than MP, the Woolston Eyes Conservation Group (WECG) have my support in their respective planning application, and I hope the common-sense decision will be granted.”
The Government recently announced its “Plan for Change,” pledging greater autonomy for local nature groups.
Trusted nature groups will benefit from new freedoms to carry out conservation and restoration work without needing to apply for multiple permissions at every step of a project.
A pilot collaboration between Natural England and the National Trust will allow Europe’s largest conservation charity to cut down on the high volume of applications for consents, permits, and licences they must currently submit.
The Woolston Eyes Nature Reserve is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm from April 1 to October 31, and from 8am to 4pm from November 1 to March 31.
Access is by permit and access key only, with all reserve entrance gates and vehicle barriers locked at all times.
