The first cygnets of 2022 have arrived at Abbotsbury Swannery.

The first little birds emerged from their shells in nest number 1 a couple of days ahead of schedule and with more than 100 nesting pairs of swans, the coming weeks will see scores of new arrivals at the Swannery.

It is the only place in the world where visitors can walk alongside the nests through the colony of mute swans and even have the chance to see the cygnets hatching from their eggs, which continues throughout May and June.

As the cygnets grow throughout the summer months, visitors can see them taking to the water and learning what it takes to be a swan. By early autumn visitors can enjoy the spectacle of the juveniles learning to fly for the very first time.

Swannery manager Charlie Wheeler said: "It is always such a thrill when the first eggs hatch and now it's all systems go for the next couple of months, as hundreds of cygnets make their debut.

"Our visitors get a wonderful close-up view of the young birds and can see how attentive the swan parents are, as their youngsters grow and venture out of the nest.

"Visitors can also take part in the mass feeding sessions twice a day, which is quite a spectacle when the swans gather en masse for their lunch and tea."

The adult swans are fed on wheat grains while the cygnets are fed daily on chick crumb, a crushed pellet full of protein, and grass cuttings. Their parents also find natural foods for their cygnets such as algae, water-weeds and grubs.

The Swannery is open every day from 10am to 5pm.

For more information visit abbotsburyswannery.co.uk