Dog walkers are being urged to give nesting swans space at Crown Meadow after birds were spotted settled into the grassland area.
Photos shared with A Little Bit of Stone show two swans on nests in the meadow, with one bird sitting low in the reeds and another nearby.
With more people making the most of the warmer weather and lighter evenings, the sighting is a timely reminder that wildlife is active across Stone’s green spaces at this time of year.
Give them space
The RSPB says people should keep dogs under close control between March and August to help protect nesting birds, and advises giving birds and nests plenty of space. Its guidance also says that if birds are on a nest, or their young are moving around on the ground, people should keep a good distance away.
That matters with swans in particular.
During nesting season they can be highly protective of their nest site, and a loose dog getting too close can quickly lead to trouble, both for the birds and for the dog walker trying to pull things back under contro
For people crossing Crown Meadow with dogs, the simple message is to be aware, slow down, and use a lead if passing anywhere near the nesting area.
