Nine new cygnets come swanning in at Severn Valley Country Park

Celebrations are in the air at Severn Valley Country Park after a pair of swans produced a bevy of nine cygnets following a highly successful volunteer led project.

Over a two month period, dedicated volunteers at the Country Park monitored a pair of swans who settled on the wetlands. After a few days settling in, the mature pair nested on the island in the wetlands, and after one month of sitting on the eggs, nine cygnets hatched.

The nine cygnets take to the water at Severn Valley Country Park – photo by Don Bannister

The usual number of eggs for swans is between five and eight so a litter of nine is rare and a testament to the habitat conservation and efforts of volunteers at the Park.

The nesting swans are a huge success story for the volunteers and the work they do to maintain the Country Park for wildlife and visitors.

The arrival of nesting swans followed work to reclaim the wetlands from invasive reeds that had taken hold and diverting water into the wetlands to improve water flow. All of the work opened up the area for wildlife and made the wetlands easier for visitors to see from the bird hide.

This project was funded by the Tesco Bags of Help scheme following a successful funding application from volunteers. Support from the local community through voting meant the project to rejuvenate the wetlands was awarded £8,000.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“The arrival of nine cygnets is a huge success story for the conservation efforts at Severn Valley Country Park and a reflection of the tremendous work our dedicated volunteers do in helping us maintain and improve our green spaces.

“I’d like to thank all of our volunteers for their work. It’s invaluable.”

Susie Comaish, visitor centre manager at Severn Valley Country Park, said:

 “The success of the nesting swans having nine cygnets is testament to the hard work our volunteers give on a weekly basis at Severn Valley Country Park.  The Park is able to maintain its Green Flag status making it a desirable place for visitors in addition to being a haven for wildlife.”

The invaluable help of volunteers helps to make Severn Valley Country Park a lovely place to spend a day with the family and friends… as the swans can testify!

A cygnet adventure around Severn Valley Country Park

After a couple of days being nurtured on the wetlands, the cygnets, under the guidance of the parent birds, set off on their first journey through the Park.

Cygnets follow their parents through Severn Valley Country Park

They walked from the wetlands, through the Easy Access Trail, past the children’s play area, down the main path, over the bridge and around to the riverside meadow before making it to the comfort of the river.

It was a delightful sight to see.

Volunteering at Severn Valley Country Park

Volunteers meet at the park every Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 3pm and they are always happy to welcome new members.

The excellent work of Severn Valley Country Park Supporter’s Group has been recognised by a national award. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. It is given to recognise outstanding work done by local volunteer groups in their own communities.

If you are interested in volunteering at Severn Valley Country Park, visit the website to find out more information.

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