Life and Death
During late 2024 the old pontoons were dismantled, and a new viewing platform and two roosting platforms were built by Water Gems.
It has been peaceful on the pond recently with resident swans Dotty, Eric, their four cygnets, getting on with life alongside the ducks, geese, coots, etc. The cygnets and adults began taking training flights up and down the pond.
BUT…
21st Jan: A dead cygnet was discovered among the reeds at the nest (East) end of the pond. This cygnet may have been ill for a few days before, but it was still an unexpected death.
28th Jan: A second dead cygnet was discovered on the pond. It had displayed similar symptoms to the first one. Both deaths were immediately reported to DEFRA who collected the bodies for testing for bird flu. The footpath alongside the pond was closed, to prevent the possible spread of the virus.
10th Feb: A negative test result for bird flu was received for the second cygnet, The first had been deemed too decomposed for testing.
The path was reopened and visitors were allowed to feed the birds once more. Thanks to everyone for your patience and for keeping our birds safe.