Huge row erupts between Sunderland Marina and wildlife group over swan nest building disturbance claims

A heated dispute has erupted between a local wildlife enthusiasts group and chiefs at Roker Marina over Bonnie the swan and her new partner Ash returning to a previous nesting site on the marina’s launch ramp where the group say they’ve seen the pair trying to build a nest.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981, it is a criminal offence to “damage, destroy, or disturb a swan's nest while it’s in use or being built”.

The Marina Swans Group - which has over 900 online members - has hit out at the marina for failing to stop boating activity on the ramp “whilst nest building is in progress”.

Marina manager John Reeves, meanwhile, has accused the group of putting down straw to “entice” the swans to nest in the area.

Bonnie and her then partner Bruce successfully nested on the slipway in 2024 when the group says it was closed off whilst the couple raised their brood.

In 2025, a row erupted between the group and marina bosses over claims staff at the marina had interfered with Bonnie’s nest on a platform by covering it with tarpaulin. Marina chiefs said they discouraged the swans from nesting and there was “no evidence of nest building”.

Whilst there is currently no definitive nest on the ramp, the Marina Swans Group has shown the Echo photographs of Bonnie sitting on grass and material to the side of the slipway as well as the pair gathering and carrying grass and twigs in their beaks at the site.

Marina resident and group member Anna Shiels, 53, said: “I’ve seen Bonnie and Ash trying to build their nest on the slipway on five separate occasions and each time they’ve been scared off.

“We told the marina on March 28 the swans were trying to nest. As soon as they start the nest building process it’s illegal for them to be disturbed, but since then the ramp is being used by jet skiers and boaters who force the swans off the slipway each time.”

Group founder Carol McCormack added: “This time last year, Bonnie’s nest was built. It’s their instinct to return to previous nesting sites. All she wants is to nest and it’s such a pity to see.”

Marina manager John Reeves feels rather than the swans following their natural instinct, the group are enticing the swans to nest on the slipway.

He said: “To date, the swans have not established a nest and we believe that, whilst seemingly well meaning, enticing the swans to nest in such an open and unsafe area is not good for the swans, the public who wish to enjoy wildlife, and the general boating community.”

The group also contacted the city council, which has fenced off side access to the slipway as well as creating a fence to the side of the potential nest and to the front of the ramp.

However, “crucially”, the group says people taking part in boating activities through the marina are still allowed access to the slipway.

Anna said: “Boaters are allowed to push the fence and gate open and access the ramp. When they bring their craft onto the slipway, they also push the side fence into where the birds are trying to nest.

“Where the fence gets pushed, it also prevents the swans accessing the nest site, which is also illegal under the WCA. The swans are constantly being disturbed and keep flying off and returning.

“The whole ramp should be closed, like it was in 2024.”

John responded: “As a marina we consider it an important duty to balance the practical needs of wildlife with efficient management and safety of our varied client base, including boat-owners, visitors and children’s activity groups.

“Our busy slipway is the sole access point, used all year round by many people who enjoy the marine environment.

“Not to mention the need for an emergency exit for vessels in distress. We’ve worked with all parties to ensure the slipway remains open to our users but also allows the swans to make a decision on nesting.”

The group claim the fact the Council has erected the fencing is evidence the swans are trying to nest.

A Council spokesperson said: “As in previous years, we’ve installed a stretch of fencing on council‑owned land to help protect the nesting swans by discouraging dogs and reducing disturbance from onlookers.

“We’d kindly remind all visitors to keep a respectful distance from nesting birds. Disturbance can cause significant stress to swans, particularly during the breeding season.”

The marina say they’ve offered an “alternative” potential nesting area for the swans including the opportunity to “take over ownership of the previous platform” and moor it in a “more suitable area”.

However, Carol said: “If the marina are going to continue using the slipway then let the swans use the raft from last year.”

Northumbria Police confirmed they received a report of the swans’ nest building being disturbed but added that there was “no evidence” of a nest.