Slipway which was focus of nesting dispute closes after swans lay four eggs

Swan paring Bonnie and Ash, who were caught up in a nesting dispute between Sunderland Marina and a local wildlife group, have laid four eggs as the marina has confirmed the slipway has now been closed.

Earlier this month (April) members of the Marina Swans Group criticised the marina and contacted the police over claims the birds were being disturbed from making their 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”.

Members Anna Shiels and Carol McCormack accused marina bosses of preventing Ash and Bonnie from nesting by allowing boaters and jet skiers to continue to use the slipway.

Sunderland City Council had erected some fencing, but the wildlife enthusiasts’ group said people were still able to use the ramp and were pushing the fencing into the area the swans were trying to access.

Marina manager John Reeves accused the group of “enticing and encouraging” the swans to nest by leaving potential nesting materials on the slipway.

However, with the nest now built and eggs laid, John has confirmed the slipway has now been closed to the public.

He said: “We have not used the slipway since it was confirmed the swans were nesting.

“Sunderland Marina has always ensured that the welfare of wildlife within our boundary is respected, and that we operate well within any laws protecting them.

“We also work to safeguard the river access for the wider boating community with the approach that wildlife and boaters can, and should, co-exist happily and safely.

“The situation will remain under constant review to ensure all interests are appreciated and considered.”

Anna confirmed that Bonnie laid three eggs on April 19 with an additional egg being laid on April 26.

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She said: “The eggs normally take 35 to 42 days to hatch and so we are really looking forward to seeing the cygnets.

“I’m pleased the gate to the slipway has now been closed, but I just wish there were signs up warning people that swans are nesting.

“The slipway should remain closed until the cygnets are old enough to leave their parents.”

Speaking following the erection of the fence, 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.”