Wild swans get their first supper
The floodlit wild swan feeds will be inaugurated by Sir Peter Scott’s daughter and local dignitaries
Staff and visitors at WWT Welney Wetland Centre are gearing up to the most exciting time of year - welcoming thousands of new arrivals as migration sees them flock here to escape uninhabitable conditions further North. The floodlit wild swan feeds at WWT Welney Wetland Centre are one of the most amazing wildlife experiences in the UK.
To get this year’s events off to a flying start Dafila Scott, daughter of WWT’s founder Sir Peter Scott, will be giving the swans and ducks their first supper. Also present at the event will be special guests Cllr Griffin-Singh, Mayor of the City of Ely Council and Cllr Sharman, Mayor of Downham Market.
Each day hundreds of swans leave the reserve at the wetland centre to feed on the arable fields in the surrounding area. At dusk they return to the reserve in waves to glide down onto the lagoons to roost in safety overnight. By illuminating the main lagoon you can watch large numbers of swans getting fed their supper before settling down on the islands to rest.
Emma Brand, Events & Marketing Officer at WWT Welney, says:
‘There is nothing quite like watching a floodlit wild swan feed at WWT Welney – having front row seats to this amazing natural spectacle from the comfort of a warm hide, makes it an unforgettable experience’
‘There is something about being shrouded in darkness watching these majestic birds swimming on the illuminated lagoon that really feels like you are peering through a window into a fairytale world’
‘Often the first reaction of visitors is one of awe and over the years I have witnessed the reaction of families and birdwatchers alike as they all step through the hide door to have this spectacle revealed to them.’
Despite the fact that these events run throughout the winter months you can experience them in comfort in the centrally-heated main observatory. The evening feeds are often the best ones to see impressive numbers of swans as these birds roost overnight on the reserve.
WWT Welney’s floodlit wild swan feeds take place from 6.30pm, Thursday-Sunday each week. More details of these events can be found at http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/welney/whats-on/
