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Abbotsbury Swannery

Abbotsbury Swannery

Summary

A colony of mute swans has lived in this sanctuary since medieval times. Wander amid nests of newborn cygnets in spring, and observe the swans at close hand.

The Swannery

There has been a swannery at Abbotsbury since at least the 14th century. The swannery may have been established by the monks of Abbotsbury Abbey, but it seems more likely that they simply took advantage of a natural swan habitat provided by the shelter of Chesil Bank.

The Swans

Mute swans are not silent, as their name might suggest; rather, the name refers to the fact that their call is not loud. The mute swan is native to Europe and Asia, though it has been introduced in other areas. The colony at Abbotsbury is properly the Abbotsbury Colonial Nesting Herd.

They come to Abbotsbury because the sluggish waters of the Fleet, sheltered from the sea by the 8 mile long stetch of shingle known as Chesil Bank, has created here a habitat lush in "eel grass", underwater plants on which they feed.

The unique joy of Abbotsbury Swannery is the opportunity it provides to observe newborn cygnets (baby swans) at close hand. From late May, visitors can wander amid the nests, and see the cygnets at close distance.

The swans provided meat for the monks long ago, but today they provide feathers for the helmets of the Gentlemen at Arms; the Queen's bodyguard. In addition, Lloyds of London use quills from Abbotsbury swan feathers to register insurance losses in their "Doom" book.

Visitors can enjoy an educational "Ugly Guckling Trail" which helps explain the swannery in a family-friendly way, and an audio-visual show.

Getting There

Abbotsbury Swannery is located south of the B3157, and is signposted from the Abbotsbury High Street. Abbotsbury is located 9 miles west of Weymouth.

Location map for Swannery

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