SY5783 : Swans and Cygnets in Rearing Pool at Abbotsbury
taken 7 years ago, near to Abbotsbury, Dorset, England
The swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040s. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish banquets. St Peter’s Monastery was destroyed in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s Dissolution. Since that time, the swannery sanctuary has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.
Abbotsbury Swannery is the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world. Its site around the western extremity of Fleet Lagoon is protected from the weather of Lyme Bay by Chesil Beach. Today, there are around 600 swans. They are free-flying birds and could choose to nest anywhere, but are obviously attracted by the Fleet Lagoon. Visitors can wander on small paths among the various nests. The swannery is open to the public between March and the end of October.