Swans are some of England’s most graceful creatures. These large water-loving birds play vital roles in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems, but swans face growing challenges due to pollution and human actions like litter, fishing hooks and disturbance.
In England, the three main types of swans you will see are:
- Mute swans (the most common) are less vocal, and easily recognised by their orange bills.
- Whooper swans migrate to England in winter. They are larger with yellow/black bills, and known for their loud calls.
- Bewick’s Swans are smaller, also with yellow/black bills. They also travel long distances to spend winter in England.
Natural Habitats for Swans
In nature, swans live on rivers, lakes and ponds, and sometimes in wetlands. These locations all provide natural food, shelter and safe nesting places. But loss of habitat and pollution/litter means swans face many hazards including ingesting fishing lines and plastic, and draining wetlands for construction or agriculture causes them to lose important habitats.
Don’t Drop Litter
The most helpful yet simplest way to help swans and all wildlife is to not drop litter. Take litter home with you, and pick up any litter you find, to safely dispose of in a nearby bin. Get involved in local litter clean-up campaigns, to clear rubbish that affects swan habitats.
Recycle Fishing Waste
Anglers have special responsiblity to use fishing line recycling bins, to avoid hooks and other items being ingested by swans and other wildlife.
Monomaster is a nifty invention to store fishing line, using a unique design (to avoid encouraging nesting birds).
Voluntary bans on lead shot have not worked (100,000 wildfowl die yearly from ingesting metal in used pellets). Lead shot also harms up to half a million other creatures.
Support Swan Sanctuaries
Swan sanctuaries do a wonderful job, helping to educate the public, and providing emergency rescue and rehabilitation services. You can volunteer (locally) or donate (nationally). You can also contact these organisations for help or concerns (don’t worry too much if swans fold one leg into their back – it’s like us crossing our legs).
It’s illegal to harm swans (or disturb nests). Report to wildlife crime unit (can be anonymous, if preferred).
Ask Councils to Install Bird Diverters
Swans fly well but need a long run to take off, due to body weight. So they often fly into pylons or busy roundabouts. Experts say councils could install bird diverters (these can also help prevent owls and bats from being injured or electrocuted).
Is It Okay to Feed Swans, Ducks and Geese?
Swans naturally live on grass, insects and molluscs. They should in theory be able to find their own food easily, under the water. If you do choose to feed extra food, Swan Sanctuary says to only feed (occasional torn) lettuce, spinach or fresh (torn) bread is best (throw it on the water, as swans have no teeth). This also discourages swans from coming onto dry land, where they can be at risk from dogs and traffic.
Never feed mouldy/stale/crusty bread nor buttered bread (this smears on feathers, affecting waterproofing/insulation). Never feed swans on nests, as it upsets brooding and encourages vermin. The Swan Food Project has good tips on what to (and what not to) feed swans.
Further Reading
Swan: Portrait of a Majestic Bird is the celebration of our mute swans, by a wildlife writer and photographer, who explores the bird’s significance. Dan has studied mute swans for over 30 years since boyhood and (as a pilot who shares their skies) speaks up for the mute, answering questions about nature and future. See these familiar creatures in a fresh light.
The Swan: A Biography is by nature writer Stephen Moss. With beautiful illustrations, swans are the ‘avian equivalent of Sir David Attenborough’. Swans have been part of England’s scenery for hundreds of years. Thankfully swans are highly protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
