Britain's Annual Swan Count on the River Thames: A Tradition of Conservation

The Swan Upping Tradition

• 👑 The centuries-old tradition of swan upping on the River Thames has been taking place since the 12th century.
• 🍽️ Historically, swan upping was important for food, but today it is focused on conservation and education.
• 🦢 Swans are now a protected species and are no longer eaten.

The Swan Count Process

• 🗺️ The count covers a 79-mile stretch of the Thames, from Sunbury near London to Abingdon near Oxford.
• 🚣 Six traditional rowing skiffs are used to cover the river.
• 📞 When a family of swans and cygnets is spotted, the head swan upper shouts "All up!" as a signal for a swan catch.

Swan Welfare Checks

• 🌊 The six boats circle the swan family, gradually closing the circle to allow for a manual catch.
• ✋ Swans and cygnets are lifted out by hand and secured with special ties.
• 🩺 They are then taken ashore to be weighed, measured, and checked for injuries to monitor their welfare.