Swan's nest destroyed - killing cygnets due to hatch "within days"

A swan’s nest at Rhodes Lodges in Middleton has been destroyed, its unhatched eggs heartlessly crushed with a block of stone.

The incident is believed to have occurred between Saturday night (30 May) and Sunday morning (31 May), despite swans being protected by law under the Wild Creatures and Forest Law Act 1971.

Local resident Norman Wellens told Rochdale Online: “On Sunday morning, to my horror, the nest had been vandalised. The swans were in the middle of the lodge, the nest had a 12” square of thick stone which had been dropped on its six eggs.

“We know that the nest was in good order at 6.45pm the previous night: this was confirmed by two ladies who had walked down to the nest last night. They said to the left of the nest were a group of lads sitting around drinking beer; the evidence of that is the number of cans in the water.”

An online fundraiser has been launched, to protect the swans and ensure a similar incident doesn’t happen again.

Claire Alexandra, who started the fundraiser, says on its page that it is suspected that three people purposely targeted the cygnet eggs, which were to hatch “within days”.

She added that one of the swans had been seen circling the lodge with one of the dead cygnets in its bill, “absolutely distressed.”

Claire notes that donations will be used “towards a positive and constructive” project to protect the swans, cygnets and eggs, such as protection boxes for nesting swans.

Officer from GMP Middleton said they were aware of the horrific incident, adding: "We are aware of several social media posts about damage to the swans nest in Alkrington Woods. Officers are currently investigating this and are actively seeking those responsible for this horrific incident."

The RPSCA and GMP have been contacted for comment.

To donate to the cause, please visit:

• www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-swans

You can follow the project via Facebook at:

• www.facebook.com/middletonswans