NEWS

SWAN UPPING 2020

COVID-19 update from David Barber MVO, The Queen’s Swan Marker

Swan Upping, the annual census of the swan population on the River Thames, will not go ahead this year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Swan Upping was due to take place on 13th - 17th July, between Sunbury-on-Thames and Abingdon in Oxfordshire.

David Barber MVO, The Queen’s Swan Marker, said: "Although not unexpected, it is of course disappointing that members of the public and local schoolchildren will not be able to enjoy Swan Upping this year."

"It is always a great opportunity for the young people who attend to learn about mute swans, and see first-hand the health checks we carry out on every single family of swans along the river."

The Queen’s Swan Marker is working with the Thames Swan Rescue Organisations to continue overseeing swan welfare as usual.

Download the Royal Swan Upping information leaflet for primary school children

BREEDING SEASON

The month of May saw many of the Thames’ cygnets hatch; the River Thames has been particularly quiet during May due to Covid-19 which has given the wildlife living on it a much greater chance of survival. Sadly there continue to be reports of adult swans and young cygnets being shot and seriously injured or killed in some areas.