The arrival of the first pair of ‘sacred’ Bewick’s swans in the UK has marked the beginning of the winter season. This iconic duo, named Heerlen and Olga, along with a lone swan called George II, have landed at WWT Slimbridge in Gloucestershire.
Bewick’s swans, distinguished by their white plumage and distinctive black and yellow bills, undertake an extraordinary 3,500 km journey each year from the Arctic regions of Russia to escape the harsh winter conditions.
Their migration is triggered by dropping temperatures and the need for access to ice-free wetlands, aided by north-easterly winds across the continent.
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Martin McGill, Reserve Manager at WWT Slimbridge, reflects on the special bond between the reserve and the swans: “Growing up, I appreciated seeing the Bewick’s flock here, but working with them has deepened my understanding of just how sacred these birds are. WWT Slimbridge is unique because it allows visitors to experience these swans up close, a relationship built on trust nurtured over decades.”
Heerlen first wintered at Slimbridge as a solitary adult in December 2020, while Olga visited as a cygnet during the 2021-22 winter season. The pair bonded in the winter of 2023-24.
Following their arrival on 17 November, another eight Bewick’s swans—including frequent visitor Maisie—joined them, bringing the total to 11 swans, including a young cygnet.
Maisie first arrived at Slimbridge in 2014 as a two-year-old and was fitted with a tracker in January 2015. She has been a regular visitor along with Maifeld since 2016.
The Bewick’s swan has been monitored at WWT Slimbridge since 1964, when founder Sir Peter Scott initiated conservation efforts. Over 10,000 of these swans have since made Slimbridge their winter refuge.
Today, the Bewick’s swans remain an iconic feature of Slimbridge’s winter landscape, treasured for their graceful presence and the unique spectacle they create each season.