Swanning about

There's been a lot of fuss this year, quite rightly about netting on trees, not only here in Guildford but around the UK. Property developers all got the idea that by putting the nets over trees they would discourage birds from nesting there so that they'd then be safe once building works happened (or something) - thankfully, lots of people pointed out the wrong-headedness of this and the danger to wildlife of all kinds that make their homes in and around these trees. Although it's not dead and buried, certainly those trees that were covered here have been uncovered.

But sometimes this netting can be used protectively and sensibly. This big green area was put up next to the waterside by the Yvonne Arnaud theatre when it was realised that there was a pair of swans nesting there. It hasn't completely prevented people who want to gawk and peer over and around the netting, despite big signs saying please leave these creatures alone. But now, hurrah, the little ones have hatched. I counted eight wee cygnets in the nest here and you can just see their outlines at momma's feet. This does mean that they're getting more attention from passers-by than before but hopefully, they'll soon all be out on the river and living a bigger life than they have for the past few months.