Associated British Ports

SWANS FIND SANCTUARY IN PORT OF IPSWICH
A family of swans has finally taken up residence in a purpose-built sanctuary in Associated British Ports� (ABP�s) Port of Ipswich. Three years after staff at the port created the safe haven, a pair of nesting swans recently hatched a brood of six cygnets. The sanctuary is just one of the many contributions ABP has made to local environmental enhancements and conservation.

Measuring 30 metres by 4 metres, the swans� nesting place was set aside to provide protection for wildfowl during their mating season. Previously, the swans nested along the banks of the River Orwell, within the port. Unfortunately, their breeding ground ran parallel to a public footpath and vandals frequently smashed their eggs and destroyed their nests.

Capt. John Swift, ABP�s Harbour Master for the Port of Ipswich, was one of the creators of the sanctuary and has spent the last three years patiently trying to entice the birds to the site. Expressing his joy at the happy outcome, Capt. Swift said:

�Although we created this safe haven three years ago, it has taken until now to establish the trust of the swans. It took a lot of enticements in the form of food and water to persuade them to move to this safe breeding ground, but they are now comfortable with the site and have hatched a brood of cygnets. We are delighted with this and hope the site will become home to swans for many generations to come.�

As a member of the Stour and Orwell Estuaries Management Group, ABP works in conjunction with the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit to help protect the local environment. Simon Hooton, Manager of the Unit, praised ABP�s efforts to relocate the swans to this safe haven.

�The creation of a sanctuary for nesting swans within this busy port shows that it is possible for commerce and nature to exist harmoniously side-by-side. ABP is to be commended for helping to ensure that local wildlife gets the protection it deserves.�

18th June 2003

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