Abbotsbury Swannery, Bird colony along Fleet Lagoon in Dorset, England
Located between Chesil Beach and Fleet Lagoon, this managed nesting site houses over 600 mute swans across a 2-acre protected area.
The Benedictine monks of St Peter's monastery established this nesting site in the 1040s, utilizing the swans as a primary food source for their celebrations.
The colony represents continuous swan management practices spanning nearly a millennium, with daily feeding sessions maintaining the historical connection.
The site welcomes visitors from March to November, offering guided tours and educational sessions about swan behavior and nesting patterns.
The Fleet Lagoon next to the colony forms Europe's largest brackish water system, supporting 300 different waterfowl species throughout the year.
Location: Dorset
GPS coordinates: 50.65380,-2.60290
Latest update: March 4, 2025 01:28
St Catherine's Chapel
894 m
Abbotsbury Abbey
1.2 km
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
1.5 km
Parish Church of St Nicholas
1.3 km
Ilchester Arms Hotel
1.4 km
The Old Post Office
1.3 km
The Abbey Dairy House
1.2 km
Stangways Hall
1.4 km
Abbotsbury Mill
796 m
Lawrence's Cottage
2.6 km
The Pynion End
1.2 km
Granary 40 Metres South Of The Abbey House
1.2 km
Gateway 25 Metres South-South-East Of Outer Gatehouse
1.2 km
50, West Street
1.4 km
20 And 22, Rodden Row
1.4 km
16 And 18, Rodden Row
1.4 km
Abbey House
1.2 km
2, Rodden Row
1.4 km
St Catherine's Chapel, field system and quarries at Chapel Hill
718 m
1, Back Street
1.4 km
Portesham House
3.2 km
6 And 8, Rodden Row
1.4 km
3, Seaway Lane
1.2 km
Two round barrows on Wears Hill
2.7 km
Abbott's Walk
1.3 km
Front Walls And Railings 15 Metres South-East Of Portesham House
3.2 km
22, 24, 26, 28, Market Street
1.4 km
Tithe Barn
1.1 kmReviews
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