Family of swans brings traffic to a halt on busy A184

Drivers waited patiently as a family of swans crossed one of the region’s busiest roads.

The proud parents have been raising their brood close to Testo’s roundabout and seem not to have been disturbed by the roadworks under way nearby.

Durham Wildlife Trust member Hilary Rawlins caught them as they made their way across the A184, close to the Quadrus Business Centre.

Drivers waited for the pair to cross, accompanied by eight juveniles.

Trust membership development officer Emily Routledge appealed to drivers in the area to take extra care as lockdown easing continues and the number of vehicles on the road increases.

“It's been wonderful to see wildlife making the most of the stillness that lockdown brought to our surroundings, but with things slowly returning to normal we are keen that people continue to make space for nature and it was great to see the drivers in the clip allowing this swan family to cross safely,” she said.

“During the past few months we've seen more people than ever enjoying our nature reserves and appreciating the wildlife close to home. The best way that people can help protect the wildlife on their doorsteps is to become a member of their local wildlife trust.

“We hope to welcome lots of new people to Durham Wildlife Trust over the coming weeks and months.”

To find out more about the work of the Durham Wildlife Trust, visit https://durhamwt.com/ or call 584 3112.

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