Swan incidents raise concern at Vivash Park

Five angling-related incidents involving swans have been attended by volunteers at Vivash Park’s lake in recent weeks, with the latest leaving a swan needing treatment after a weighted barbed hook went through its head.

Westbury Town Council is working with Bath Swan Rescue to explore ways of reducing the risk to wildlife at the lake following the latest incident involving a male swan.

 

1 of 2

- +

The swan was caught on Monday 21st July, after four days of rescue attempts. Bath Swan Rescue said the injuries were too severe to treat at the lake and he was taken to a local vet for assessment and emergency pain relief before being transferred to The Swan Sanctuary.

The incident follows the rescue of a cygnet in June after it suffered serious injuries from a fishing hook, which had to be surgically removed. The cygnet remains in sanctuary care and is expected to need several months to recover.

Bath Swan Rescue said this was the fifth angling-related incident its team had attended at Vivash Park in recent weeks.

Westbury Town Council has reminded people that barbed hooks are not permitted at Vivash Park and urged anglers to dispose of fishing tackle responsibly.

A spokesperson said, “Fishing tackle and discarded line can cause devastating injuries to wildlife, particularly swans and other water birds. Please help us protect the wildlife at Vivash by following the fishing rules and disposing of all tackle and litter responsibly.”

Lead ranger David Krzyzosiak said, “Westbury Town Council is working closely with Bath Swan Rescue to explore ways of reducing the risk of further incidents and possible next steps in helping to keep our swans safe.”

Bath Swan Rescue has contacted Natural England about the possibility of relocating the swan family, as permission is required before healthy swans can be moved.

The swan’s partner and cygnets remain at Vivash Park, with hopes the family can be reunited following his recovery.