Swans nesting on the towpath is an issue for both public safety and the welfare of this protected species. The towpath is a narrow multi-user space, and our Towpath Code asks that all users give space to wildlife. Male swans can be aggressive during the breeding season and can be vulnerable to attack by dogs. The Canal and River Trust have highlighted these risks and the need to keep dogs on leads. You should avoid feeding nesting swans on or near their nests because it:
Attracts Predators - Leftover food draws rats, foxes, and gulls that may eat the eggs or kill hatchlings.
Damages the Nest - Rodents attracted to the food can burrow under the nest and cause it to collapse. Spreads Disease - Uneaten food rots and grows mould, creating harmful bacteria that make the birds sick. Causes Stress- Approaching the nest disturbs the brooding parents and can cause them to abandon their eggs. To avoid risks to swans and conflict with towpath users recommended safe feeding tips include: Keep your distance - If you want to feed swans, do it well away from the nest (at least 30 to 40 feet). Feed in the water- Always place food in the water rather than on the bank so it does not attract pests. Focus on the offside - Supporting use of the offside of the canal opposite the towpath can help reduce conflicts. Choose healthy foods - Offer safe items like sweetcorn, lettuce, oats, or specialized floating pellets, and avoid bread. Services To report a concern for swan welfare in Gloucestershire services include: RSPCA at 0300 123 8960 for sick or injured birds, or contact Vale Wildlife Hospital located at Tewkesbury 01386 882288. If you see a dog attack or deliberate cruelty call 999.For an immediate post-incident report involving a wildlife crime or dog attack, call the police on 101 and ask for a wildlife crime officer. A volunteer Swan Support and Rescue Group operates locally and can be contacted on Facebook at Swans of Stroud. The Cotswold canal is a living corridor offering a diverse range of habitats for many birds, both water based or flight. SVCC is dedicated to ensuring that we commune with bird environments as much as possible and ask that all canal users respect the habitats that are so important to an expanding and varied bird population.With our colleagues at the Canal and River Trust, we have developed and adopted a robust policy for ensuring that bird nesting is protected to the best environmental standards and from 1st March to 31st August each year any maintenance work will only be undertaken by following the strict guidelines that this policy demands.