Floating Platform Saves Swan Eggs from Rising Tides

The Ouseburn valley is celebrating the arrival of its first mute swan cygnets since 2023, a welcome sight after previous nesting failures. A new pair of adult swans arrived last year, but their eggs were lost when a high spring tide flooded their nest. Recognizing the increasing frequency of such tidal events, a wildlife group named Wild Intrigue constructed a temporary floating platform on the burn.

This innovative solution has proven successful, with seven cygnets hatching as of Friday. Co-director Heather Devey expressed excitement about the new arrivals, noting the challenges of nesting in a post-industrial environment with diminished natural banks. The floating island not only protects swan eggs but also provides habitat for other species like ducks and moorhens.

Efforts are underway to ensure the cygnets' safety and successful integration into the burn. Temporary signs have been erected to encourage the public to give the swans space and keep dogs on leads. A critical advisory has been issued against feeding the swans at the nest, as this can attract rats, which pose a threat to the vulnerable cygnets. Wild Intrigue emphasizes the importance of balancing human use of the Ouseburn area with wildlife conservation.