Royal swan count starts after sharp decline

The annual census of swans on the River Thames is set to begin on Monday.

Swan Upping will start in Sunbury Lock and finish at Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire on 18 July.

The historic event, which dates back to the 12th century, happens every year with ceremonially dressed teams of rowers going up the river.

Only 86 young swans were found during 2024's Swan Upping - representing a 45% decline in two years.

David Barber, the King's Swan Marker, blamed the downturn in cygnet numbers primarily on outbreaks of Avian Influenza (bird flu).

"Fortunately, there has been a decrease in reported cases of the disease in the River Thames area in recent months," he said.

Young swans are weighed and measured by Mr Barber, who wears a feather in his cap, to make growth estimates, while cygnets and adult swans are examined for disease or injury.

Mr Barber: "Sadly, issues of vandalism and cruelty continue to cause distressing and often fatal injuries to swans and young cygnets.

"Dogs that are not under control also pose a significant risk of harm and death when in the vicinity of breeding swans and their young cygnets."

Last year's Swan Upping found swans had been shot at by catapults and airguns.

Pollution was another problem, with some swans being found covered in engine oil.

Mr Barber urged people to be aware of nesting environments when walking beside rivers.

Swan upping started as a way of counting the birds that were valuable property - with any unmarked mute swans being Crown property.

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