A family of swans has been reunited at RSPCA Oak and Furrows thanks to a dramatic rescue attempt from wildlife rescue volunteers

The situation was caused by two separate groups of swans who lived either side of Buscot weir, separated by the Buscot lock, who were forced together by boats passing through. This led to a male swan from one family aggressively defending his territory.

It created a life-or-death situation for the family of four swans, made up of mum, dad and two cygnets, and caused a logjam of boats waiting to use the lock.

Claire Adams, better known as the Bird Lady of Buscot, sprang to action as the nearest person who could help resolve the situation quickly despite ongoing health issues, which have temporarily halted her rescue work.

Claire entered the lock on a small boat and safely secured three swans, but one of the young cygnets had escaped before she arrived.

“It took a long time to secure this rescue. Everyone was patient and understanding as we had at least fifteen canoeists waiting.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of kind locals, Henrie, the lock and weir keeper raised the alarm and separated the swans and Steve and Dot on Shimmer, lent me their boat.”

Claire did not give up however, after she took mum, dad and one of the cygnets to RSPCA Oak and Furrows, she enlisted the help of hedgehog rescue owner Celia, and set out on a boat kindly given by Greg, owner of Cotswold Boat Hire,to search for the missing cygnet.

They found him after three hours but noticed that the male swan was also there. They used nets and poles to keep the adult away as Claire waded into the water to pull the baby from harm’s way.

“It was a very emotional time. It was a miracle that we found him. I knew that if we didn’t that he wouldn’t have made it.”

“When I’d go out on a rescue, I’d say a little prayer that help will be at hand and it would be a safe, successful rescue”

Claire’s efforts were rewarded by a touching scene of the cygnet being reunited with its parents and sibling.

“Oh, it was amazing to see. Birds have brought such pleasure and healing into my life. Words can’t describe the joy of releasing these beautiful creatures back into the wild.

“I find it a privilege, how blessed am I to help animals.

“I’d like to say thank you to all the wildlife sanctuaries it’s been a hard two of years for them.Throughout this pandemic, we’ve all searched for peace and tranquility and this we have found in the beauty of nature, what better time than now for us to give something back in gratitude”