Wildlife

Whooper Swan Welfare in UK Wintering Sites

Whooper swans migrate from Iceland and Scandinavia to winter in UK wetlands and farmland. Power line collisions and lead poisoning are the most significant welfare threats.

Key Facts

Around 17,000 whooper swans winter in the UK at traditional sites
Power line collisions cause significant mortality at migration staging areas
Lead poisoning from ingested lead fishing weights and shot is a major welfare issue
Climate change is affecting migratory timing and UK residency duration
Key wintering sites at Caerlaverock, Welney, and Martin Mere support thousands of birds

Welfare Considerations

Whooper swan welfare is primarily threatened by power line collisions during migration and arrival, and lead poisoning from ingested fishing weights and spent shotgun pellets in marshes. Lead poisoning causes neurological signs, loss of body condition, and painful death over weeks. Marking power lines with bird diverters on key flight lines reduces collision risk. The UK ban on lead fishing weights has reduced but not eliminated lead poisoning incidence in swans.

What You Can Do

Report any injured or sick whooper swans to WWT or SSPCA for care
Support WWT Caerlaverock, Welney, and Martin Mere reserve management
Advocate for lead fishing weight and ammunition phase-out legislation
Donate to WWT research on swan population health and lead contamination monitoring