Ban on feeding swans at village park near Horsham is overturned

Horsham District Council erected signs banning feeding of the swans at Southwater Country Park.

But visitors voiced fears that the swans and their cygnets would face hunger and might wander into danger in search of new food supplies.

And nearby residents raised concerns that the ban ‘could not have been implemented at a worse time’ as the cygnets could not yet fly.

A spokeswoman for Horsham District Council said the ban had since been lifted but people were being urged to show caution in what they feed the birds.

She said: “The council’s parks and countryside team were concerned about the large amounts of food being given to the swans by visitors, leaving uneaten food lying around on the ground, which can lead to problems of infestation.

“However, in response to visitor feedback, we have requested that only greens be fed to the swans such as lettuce, or actual waterfowl pelleted food.

“Signage at the site has been amended accordingly. There is ample bank side vegetation and grass surrounding the lake which the swans can and do eat.

“Our team of wardens are keeping a close eye on the swans and if additional food is needed, they will top up their diet with swan food.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and revise our guidance if required.”

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