Volunteers 'over the moon' as swans get new home
SuppliedA pair of swans who lost their home have been given a new raft to nest on, leaving volunteers "over the moon".
Bonnie and Ash have been settling on the new platform at Sunderland Marina, which was installed at the start of the month.
Carol McCormick, part of a Facebook group monitoring the swans, said volunteers hoped the structure would become the pair's forever home.
A previous raft belonging to charity Groundwork was removed earlier this year after storms worsened its condition.
McCormick said Bonnie had been looking for her old home before attempting to nest on a nearby ramp, which she used in 2024.
She appeared to be settling, but one egg disappeared from the nest and three others were broken in April, leaving the swan "absolutely terrified".
"You could see she was grieving," McCormick said.
SuppliedIt follows previous warnings from volunteers that the site was not safe for the swans.
"All we wish for is that they settle on this raft and it'll be their forever home, that's all we want," McCormick said.
"She's only got another week till the breeding season finishes so hopefully, fingers crossed, she might lay another couple eggs in that time on that new nest."
The structure was provided by a boat owner at the marina.
"He's done absolutely wonders, everybody is praising him and he's a hero, sort of thing," McCormick added.
"We're so happy that the two swans are on the raft now.
"It's probably been strange for them at first, especially not in the same area, but hopefully, touch wood, it'll be there for evermore, and they'll lay a couple more eggs."
