Springwatch at the SwanneryImages of Simon King and crew filming for BBC's Springwatch 2010.
Click on thumbnails to see larger image.
We now have a Flickr group to view and upload your own Swannery images for everyone to see. Click the logo to view.
 SUMMER COMES EARLY
AS CYGNETS HATCH
THE first cygnet hatched today (3 May 2011 at 7.45am) at Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, nearly two weeks earlier than usual. If a 600-year-old legend is to be believed, the hatching signifies an early summer.
Click here for press release (doc)
Click on the thumbnails below to see movies of cygnets hatching
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Save with the Abbotsbury
THIS GREAT VALUE TICKET enables the purchaser to make one visit to each of the three attractions at Abbotsbury on any day or days of their choice: The Swannery, Subtropical Gardens and Children's Farm. Available from each attraction and Tourist Information Centres in the area.
Costs less than the normal price to visit any two of the above!
Passport tickets are valid until the
4th November 2012. |
Award winning Giant Willow Maze
Pick up a map and quiz sheet at the entrance shop and try to solve the clues on your way to the giant egg.
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 Heroes Welcome at Abbotsbury.
A warm welcome and free entry to the Swannery, Subtropical Gardens, and the Children's Farm will be given to serving members of the armed services and their immediate family.
Please show your warrant ID card and two adults and up to three children will be admitted free of charge.
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Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset is unique. This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset.
History
The Swannery was established by Benedictine Monks who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040's. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish Dorset banquets. St Peter's monastery was destroyed in 1539 during the dissolution. Some of the ruins are still visible around St Nicholas' Church in the village. Since that time the Swannery has been under the stewardship of the Ilchester Estates.
Today
Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, near Weymouth, has become one of the most popular things to do for the family visiting Dorset. Located on the dramatic Dorset Coast, this unique natural wildlife habitat is also popular with film makers and has been used as a location for Harry Potter filming.
So if your family is looking for unusual things to do on holiday in Dorset, come to the Swannery and help hand feed 600 swans at 12.00 noon and 4.00pm daily, or get lost in the giant maze (the largest willow maze in Dorset), swing on the swinging nests play area, at the Kennels café or browse our quality gift shop. Parking is free!
The swans at Abbotsbury are all free flying, this is a sanctuary, not a zoo. There are no cages.
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General Information
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DOGS may not enter the Swannery
Group rates available for parties of 10 or more.
Ample FREE parking for cars and coaches, usual courtesies extended to coach drivers.
Toilets Public, disabled and baby change facilities available at the main entrance and in the Coffee Shop. PLEASE NOTE. There are no public toilets inside the Swannery itself.
Site is fully accessible to disabled visitors.
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Swans and cygnets June 2010
Cygnets Hatching
From mid May to late June hundreds of fluffy cygnets hatch from eggs in nests on or near the pathways. Many lucky visitors will take pictures of cygnets cracking out of their eggs within feet of the action!
Unique to Dorset and the world!.
Mass Feeding - 12.00 & 4.00pm
Do not miss the spectacular mass feeding sessions of up to 600 swans every day.
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