March 2026

On the 8th, I found out why one of last-year's brood of Mute Swans had been lost from the lake. I had assumed that the, now full-sized, youngsters were seen off by the resident Cob as he came into breeding condition.

 

A regular dog-walker had reported, however, that one of the youngsters had been carried off by the Swan Sanctuary because it had been seen in a distressed state out on the lakeside promenade, prevented from returning to the lake by the Cob. That day, indeed I watched this happen to a second bird. I was told that the Cob prevented it from returning to the lake and it was threatened by dogs, so she was going to carry it off to be released to the non-breeding flock on the Thames at Barnes. I was concerned at this, as a fit youngster is quite capable of returning to the water and of fending for itself against most dogs, and would make its way off elsewhere when ready. I suggested that if it could not fend for itself, it should be taken into care to return it to strength. It would be at greater risk released in a weak state into strange surrounds already occupied by large numbers of fit competitors. My suggestions were ignored; the volunteer told me that people were worried for the swan's welfare. Well, so was I! The bird was last seen being carried off to the volunteer's car for this supposed rescue.

In mid month a 45-year-old double-flowered Wild Cherry beside the Watersports building was felled.  

The stump showed clear signs of rot, so its useful life would have been short, even though it presented no real hazard.

Another management action, however, seemed rather pointless. In mid month the vegetation growing on the fence in the middle of Ashen Grove Wood was strimmed. This fence is in the middle of this tiny ancient wood and the vegetation removed was wildlife habitat: mainly Ivy, which provides valuable food and nest sites in Spring, and one Elder which would have flowered and fruited, if left. Whilst the harm was little and the place will recover, it's not obvious to me why this needed doing.

There were a few plants of what looked like Spring Squill flowering in the Revelstoke Road Car Park border. Certainly planted, but I don't recall anyone declaring they had done this.