Cygnets expected from new resident swans at Wells' Bishop's Palace

Ripples of hope are travelling through Wells as the latest resident swans are displaying encouraging signs that cygnets may be on the way to the Bishop's Palace.

Brynn and Wynn, the new swans were re-homed from a Swan Rescue earlier in March after the previous residents swanned off to new pastures in February 2013.

This left the palace with only one swan floating on the moat – a five foot fibreglass swan called Guinevere.

However as spring has arrived the newest resident swans are displaying signs that the pitter patter of tiny webbed feet may be welcomed in Wells later this year.

Carol and Paul Arblastar, Palace Caretakers, welcomed Brynn and Wynn to the moat and have been making sure they have had plenty of attention ever since to encourage them to stay:

"These are probably the smartest swans we have ever had – they learnt to ring the bell for food within two days – and not a cheeky Muscovy Duck in sight this time!

"We've seen signs of the start of a spring mating dance on the water and we know from the Swan Organisation in South Wales that they had two sets of cygnets that we know of.

"We'd be so thrilled if they have cygnets whilst here at the Palace – our visitors absolutely love seeing the swans and it's about time we had some cute little cygnets swimming around."

The swans have been said to enjoy immersing themselves in the community as much as possible.

Ellen Kershaw of Swan Rescue commented: "The swan family took to walking in a row through the back streets of Aberafon, mum in the front and dad taking up the rear. They had their set route and we could not make them deviate from that.

"We had loads of calls from the police and the residents, some of whom got to know them so well they would walk them back to their pond which of course saved us time going down there."   

"We wonder if we will be recreating those hilarious swan chasing scenes from Hot Fuzz that were partly filmed in the gardens here at the Palace this summer. It looks like a fun year ahead!" added Carol.

Have you met the new resident swans at the Bishop's Palace yet? Comment below and tell us what you think of the pair.