Swan Support

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Swan Support

If you see an injured swan or have any concerns about a swan please call 07968 868172 or 01628 876336
(6)

We are a swan rehabilitation centre rescuing, treating and caring for sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas. We are passionate in educating the public about the detrimental effect human behaviour can have on swans and other water birds. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are the only charity in the area to have over 50 years combined experience in rescuing & t

reating swans. We are also often called upon to advise and work with other organisations on the handling and treating of swans. If you have any concerns or see an injured swan please call 07968 868172 or 01628 376336 or email [email protected]

30/05/2026

A heartbreaking 6:30am call-out this morning to an incident that should never have happened.

We received reports of a swan tangled in rope and rushed to the scene, unsure of what we would find.

What greeted us was truly distressing. The swan was in a state of panic, desperately trying to free himself. With every struggle, the rope tightened further around his neck, leaving him gasping for breath. He was also entangled around his body, wing, and leg.

Thankfully, we were able to carefully cut him free and bring him in for a few hours of rest and observation. He was exhausted, distressed, and waterlogged, but after some time to recover, we were delighted to return him safely to the flock later that morning.

Today had a happy ending, but it could so easily have been a tragedy. A huge thank you to the amazing member of public who was out early and called us.

We believe the rope may have been part of a makeshift swing and was left hanging in the water. We understand that people want to enjoy our rivers and waterways, but please remember that wildlife shares these spaces too.

A few moments spent clearing away ropes, litter, or equipment before you leave could save an animal's life. What may seem harmless to us can become a deadly trap for a swan, duck, or other wildlife.

Please help us protect the animals that call our waterways home. Think twice about what you leave behind and encourage others to do the same.

20/05/2026

A mothers love 💙

Swans are incredible parents - diligent, devoted, and fiercely protective of their young, just like any loving parent.

Please help us give them the space they need. During nesting and breeding season, swans will do everything they can to protect their family, even putting themselves at risk if they feel threatened.

This beautiful video really tugged at the heartstrings. Thank you to one of our amazing supporters for sharing it with us- we just had to post it. 💙

15/05/2026

A Friday Evening Fairytale

Once upon a time, along a peaceful waterway in Newbury, five lonely cygnets were reported wandering without their parents.

Our Swan Support rescuer headed out to investigate, but the young cygnets followed their natural instincts and disappeared to hide deep into the reeds. With the Swan Support ambulance currently in for repairs, a new plan was needed…

Enter our knights in shining armour - Royal Berkshire Fire And Rescue

The team searched high and low through the reeds and, one by one, all five cygnets were safely found! The babies were whisked back to SS HQ where they could recover from their ordeal with warmth, safety, and plenty of food.

But the story didn’t end there…

Determined to reunite the family, the next day our local rescuer jumped on her bike and set off in search of the missing parents. After a long search - success! A pair of swans with a single cygnet were located nearby. With help from some wonderful local residents, we were able to confirm they were indeed the parents of the abandoned babies.

That same day the family was reunited!

Well… almost all of them. One cygnet is currently receiving veterinary care for an abnormal growth and will remain with us while they get the treatment they need.

And now, here they are - the family portrait we were all hoping for!

Moments like this are truly the best part of what we do. Wherever possible, our mission is always to reunite cygnets with their parents so they can grow up living their best, most natural lives.

A huge thank you to our knights in shining armour at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue HQ., and to every member of the public who helped make this rescue possible. We couldn’t do it without you. 💙

03/05/2026

⁉️ Did you know….Pink Feathering

We’ve recently seen a number of articles and headlines suggesting that feeding mouldy bread causes pink feathering in swans.

As we shared last year, this is not correct - and the implications of this message can be very damaging.

We assisted in a study undertaken by the Regal Swan on the causes of pink feathering; it has been scientifically proven that the condition is linked to microorganisms affecting the preen (oil) gland, which plays a vital role in maintaining waterproofing and feather health - it has absolutely nothing to do with bread… mouldy or otherwise!

Pink feathering can begin subtly. In some cases, birds may lose some affected feathers during their annual moult, but it can progress and lead to serious problems - including loss of waterproofing resulting in increased time spent out of the water, and a higher risk of hypothermia in colder months. Even where improvement is seen, the condition can return.

This post isn’t about debating whether bread is the “best” food. We absolutely support offering more nutritious options such as greens, grains, or pellets where possible. However, we also recognise that not everyone has access to these - and in those situations, small amounts of fresh bread, fed responsibly in the water, can still provide energy and help prevent starvation.

We have seen first-hand what can happen when people stop feeding altogether. Many swans, particularly established flocks, have come to rely on supplementary feeding. When this suddenly stops, they may travel further in search of food, putting themselves at risk of injury, exhaustion, or starvation.

We are sharing this to inform, not for a debate. Our priority will always be the welfare of these birds. Everything we advise is based on decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to keeping swans safe and healthy.

If you are ever unsure or concerned about a swan’s condition, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
�📞 01628 876336 / 07968 868172

Thank you 💙

30/04/2026

After 12 months of determination, we’re proud to share that the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) restricting the possession of catapults and related projectiles across Eton & Castle, Old Windsor, and Datchet, Horton & Wraysbury wards has now been approved. It will come into effect on 11 May 2026.

For many years, we have pushed for stronger action against wildlife crime - something that is deeply personal to us following an attack we experienced in July 2022. In April 2025, we brought these concerns directly to Thames Valley Police, Jack Rankin MP - Working for Windsor, Cllrs Devon Davies, Julian Tisi and Mark Wilson- Eton and Castle Lib Dems That meeting sparked a constructive conversation and a commitment to take action.

Sadly progress didn’t come quickly enough. The heartbreaking loss of Pete, a much-loved swan in Old Windsor, following a catapult attack, was a painful reminder of why change was so urgently needed. In response, we asked our community to stand with us - and you did.

We walked the streets raising awareness, and nearly 1,500 residents took part in the consultation. An incredible 97% supported these proposals. That level of backing made a real difference.

Thank you to everyone who liked, shared, our posts or signed petitions, and contacted their local council. And a special thank you to Cllr Margaret Hayes-Powell Mark Wilson, Jack Rankin and Matthew Barber for your support in helping make this happen.

We know this isn’t the final answer. There’s still more to do. But this is a meaningful step forward - another tool to help protect our wildlife and hold offenders accountable.

Pete… this is for you 💙

15/04/2026

Halfway through the week and a little boost to help you through the rest of it….

Remember the swan we shared earlier this week? We’ve got some good news - he’s made a full recovery following his ordeal and is safely back where he belongs in the Windsor flock.

A little reminder that even tough moments can have happy endings 💙

11/04/2026

Last night we were called out by a kind member of the public who was concerned about a swan being attacked by another swan.

We rushed out immediately, knowing that territorial disputes can escalate quickly and be over in minutes - especially if the intruding bird becomes trapped.

Our rescuer headed straight out in the canoe and found the swan pinned beneath a bush, soaked and barely responsive. With only moments to spare, he was carefully lifted to safety - just a few minutes later and the outcome could have been very different.

Swans are naturally territorial birds and can be fiercely protective of their space. This instinct heightens during nesting season and while raising their cygnets.

Encounters often begin with warning displays - known as “busking,” where wings are raised up - but if these signals are ignored, situations can quickly turn physical. In some cases, the intruding swan may even be drowned.

While some swans are more tolerant, others will defend their territory against anything they see as a threat - even ducks or geese - and that territory might span an entire lake.

We’re incredibly grateful to the caller for taking action and helping us get there in time. After some TLC at SS HQ the swan is doing much better.

If you ever see swans in distress, please don’t hesitate to reach out - your call can save a life! Thank you 💙

09/04/2026

💔 Urgent Appeal for Witnesses – Caversham Swan Nest Vandalised 💔

We are absolutely heartbroken to share some devastating news. Sometime between 7.30pm and 6am, a swan’s nest in Caversham was deliberately vandalised.

Every year, a familiar and much-loved pair return to the same spot to nest. To protect both the swans and the public, we carefully fence off the area.

Last night, that fence was torn down. The pins were stolen. And most tragically, the eggs were taken and thrown into the river, where they were smashed.

This is not an accident. This is deliberate cruelty at its very worst.

This is also a criminal offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to interfere with or destroy an active bird’s nest or its eggs. This offence can carry an unlimited fine and/or up to 6 months in prison.

Those who care for and watch over these swans - including our dedicated volunteers - are completely devastated by this senseless act.

We have reported the incident to the police and are now urgently appealing for any witnesses or information that could help identify those responsible.

If you saw anything, no matter how small it may seem, please come forward and help us seek justice for these beautiful birds. Please call Thames Valley Police
on 101 quoting crime reference number 43260171395

Please share this post to help us reach as many people as possible.

Thank you for standing with us 💙

05/04/2026

While many of us are enjoying chocolate eggs this weekend, here at SSHQ we’re focused on a very special kind of egg…
Nesting season is officially underway, and it’s one of the most important (and vulnerable) times of year for our beautiful swans. We wanted to share our annual reminder of how you can help keep them safe during this period.

❓Did you know…�A female swan lays one egg every other day and only begins incubating once her full clutch is complete. She’ll then sit patiently for around 35-40 days until they hatch. During this time, she’ll take short breaks while her partner steps in to keep the eggs warm and protected

It’s an incredible process to witness - but it’s also a time when they need peace, space, and minimal disturbance.

Here’s how you can help:

✅ PLEASE DO NOT FEED ON OR NEAR THE NEST�The female has already prepared for this stage and doesn’t need extra food. Feeding nearby can attract predators like foxes, rats, and mink - putting eggs at serious risk.
✅ Keep dogs on leads or under close control�Swans are very protective, especially the male, and may become defensive if they feel threatened.
✅ DO NOT SHARE NEST LOCATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA�Sadly, not everyone has good intentions. Keeping nest locations private helps protect vulnerable birds from disturbance and harm.
✅ Enjoy from a distance�Watching swans during nesting season is a privilege - let’s give them the space they need to succeed.

🚨 A quick but important reminder:�Last year we attended a nest where a large pile of bread had been left. While this was done with kindness, feeding swans on the nest can unintentionally cause harm by attracting predators and putting both eggs and adults at risk.

Please only feed swans in the water and well away from nesting areas.

If you’re ever worried about a swan or a nest, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 07968 868172 📞

Thank you for helping us protect these amazing birds during such a special time 💙🦢

02/04/2026

At 10pm last night we received a report of a lone swan on the Windsor Relief Road - not exactly the safest spot for a nighttime stroll!

Our team rushed out… but it turns out this feathery friend was simply waiting for their “taxi,” which was apparently running a little late!

After a quick health check (all good), we offered our own chauffeur service and safely escorted them back down to the flock where they belong.

We’re certain they appreciated the lift… even if they weren’t exactly overflowing with gratitude!

Address

Bray Lakes, Monkey Island Lane
Bray
SL62EB

Telephone

+447968868172

Website

http://www.swansupport.org.uk/

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