Lots of swans a-swimming!

One of our visits today was to the Swannery at Abbotsbury.  Despite being to the area many times, this was my first visit to this attraction.  I was bowled over by it.  The swans are free to come and go as they please but are very used to human presence and I don't know anywhere else where we can walk so close to swans; they are even nesting on the paths!  I plan to return this week whilst we are here and would love to come back in May when the chicks are hatching.

One of the reasons for lots of swans is that they are fed twice daily. Children are invited in to help feed the swans and when asked if anyone wanted to accompany the children, guess who was saying 'Me, me I'll help!'  This image is a zoom of the frenzy of feeding whilst grain is scattered liberally in various directions!

The swannery website gives some of its background:
The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040′s. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish Dorset banquets. St Peter’s monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. Some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas’ Church in the village. Since that time the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.

Fingers crossed for internet - it seems a bit better today!