Swanpool Cygnets Hatch

The mating pair of swans at Swanpool Nature Reserve in Falmouth successfully hatched eight cygnets from a batch of nine eggs on Tuesday 7th May. Within 24 hours the swans and cygnets had left the nest at the northern end of the nature reserve, but by Thursday 9th May only five cygnets remained with the mating pair.

Pete Lochrie from Swanpool Forum explains:
“To have eight cygnets hatch is a huge success as this is the largest number we have had for six years. However, it is sad that three cygnets have been lost so quickly. The likelihood is that these were taken by foxes, seagulls or crows. We are hoping that all five of the remaining cygnets survive into adulthood. So we welcome people down to the nature reserve to see the cygnets, if you’d like to feed them they particularly like corn or fresh grass cuttings. ”

Pollution of Local Nature Reserve

Swanpool Nature Reserve has fallen victim to pollution from indiscriminate dumping of garden waste. The Nature Reserve is protected by Natural England and hosts a variety of flora and fauna.

Gary Thomson, volunteer Nature Reserve Warden explains:

“Unfortunately we have witnessed the re-introduction of Japanese Knotweed through the dumping of garden waste into the pool. The site is SSSI protected and it is a criminal offence to dump garden waste here, anyone caught doing so could face prosecution. It’s such a shame that after years of working to eliminate knotweed we face this problem again. The Nature Reserve is protected by Natural England and very precious to the local people and the variety of wildlife it supports”

Green Flag Award for Swanpool Local Nature Reserve

Swanpool Local Nature Reserve in Falmouth, Cornwall, is one of a record number of 1424 UK sites receiving a Green Flag Award today – the national award for public and community parks and green spaces.

 The record number of sites receiving an award this year ensures that even more of us now have access to well-managed, high-quality green spaces so important for health and leisure activities.

 

Pete Lochrie, Chair of the Swanpool Forum said: “It’s good for our forum to get some recognition for the husbandry, care, input and enthusiasm for Swanpool Local Nature Reserve that we have exercised over the years. This award gains us a higher profile and will be a helpful aid when we are seeking funding for the upkeep of the Reserve.”

 

Communities Minister, Andrew Stunell said: “Great parks and green spaces have a huge impact on local communities, providing places to play and relax as well as bringing generations together in a variety of ways. They are fundamental to our quality of life, whether in cities, towns or villages, and the Green Flag Award scheme seeks to help raise the standards of them all. The many excellent stories coming from the scheme prove what communities and volunteers can achieve by working together with professionals in our green spaces. Well done to all those involved in creating these inspirational places for everyone to enjoy.”

 

Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:

 

“We are thrilled to announce yet another record-breaking year for Green Flag Award parks and green spaces. A Green Flag Award provides national recognition for the achievements of all those whose hard work and dedication has helped to create these fantastic places for all to enjoy.

 

“I must also thank all this year’s 800+ volunteer judges for their magnificent efforts in assessing an astounding number of applications.”

New look website

http://www.swanpool.org.uk has a brand new look. Please have a look around, all previous content is still available plus some new bits and photos. For any queries about the Nature Reserve or the website please email swanpool.beach@yahoo.co.uk

Swanpool Nature Reserve Press Release

It’s very sad to report but trees in Swanpool Nature Reserve have been cut down with a chainsaw. Quite substantial alder trees and sycamores in three areas but close together.

Swanpool Nature Reserve has SSSI status, gained in January 1995 and is private ground and anybody tresspassing on the reserve could be prosecuted by Natural England. There has been a tradition of people dumping their garden waste on the reserve and this is not an acceptable practice.

Has anybody seen any of this unlawful activity taking place on the reserve? If so could they contact Pete Lochrie, proprietor of Swanpool Nature Reserve. Telephone 01326 314740 or email swanpool.beach@yahoo.co.uk

www.swanpool.org.uk

Welcome to the new look website for Swanpool Nature Reserve in Falmouth. This blog will serve as a news feed for the Swanpool Nature Reserve so check here for all the latest updates and information.