Six swans hatch at reserve after five-year absence

The parents failed to have babies last year as they were too young, NWT said

Six mute swan cygnets have hatched at a nature reserve for the first time in five years.

Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) said the new family at the Hauxley haven in Druridge Bay was welcome news after a swan was shot dead weeks ago at another reserve.

The chicks' parents set up home in the reserve last year, but failed to breed because they were too young.

Alex Lister, NWT bay landscapes manager, said the "fluffy bundles" were a delight and he hoped for more chicks in the coming years.

The last resident pair of swans moved on from the Druridge Bay reserve at the start of the Covid-19 lockdown, having lived on the reserve for nine years and raising more than 40 cygnets.

Staff at NWT were devastated after members of the public found a 16-year-old female mute swan with a fatal head wound on the East Chevington nature reserve earlier this month.

NWT staff said the new family was welcome news after another of their swans was shot dead

Mr Lister said: "What great news so soon after the sad news that a swan had been killed at our East Chevington reserve.

"It really is lovely to see them back at Hauxley after a five-year absence and if they stay as long as their predecessors, there will be plenty more cygnets hatching over the next few years to delight staff and visitors."