The Stoke Prior swans whose territory is between (Stoke Bottom Lock 23 - Bridge 44)  and (Astwood Top Lock 22 - Bridge 41) have increasingly become victims to carelessly discarded or snagged fishing line. 

In May 2020, the swan family grew when 7 beautiful cygnets hatched.  Wildlife is fraught with danger as it is, but during the remaining months to date, the male swan who just wanted to protect his family, on 4 occasions has got caught up in fishing line and hooks  and had to be caught to be freed from it.  On each occasion, it became more difficult as he became wise as to what would happen and didn't want to be dragged from his family; it was distressing for them to watch too.

During August/September 2020, a cygnet was caught up in a gross amount of line and a barbaric looking hook.  On a separate occasion another cygnet got caught up in fishing line which was entwined in its mouth, followed by another cygnet just 2 days later.  They both had to be caught which was distressing for their parents and taken into the local Swan Rescue Centre and will have to be released elsewhere, due to a possibility of the male swan potentially not accepting them back if they returned.

The only way this ongoing, saddening and distressing situation can be prevented, is if fishing is banned along the relatively short stretch of canal where these swans live as it is impacting on their wellbeing and what is rightfully, their homes! It begs the question, would you want someone rampaging through your home and harming your family?

If you are outraged by what they keep encountering and want them to live safely, please help!