Last week Gill and Ulf were on their way to another swan rescue when a distressed man from Thames Water called. The day before while eating his lunch two swans flew over, and one hit a Poplar tree and got wedged about ten metres up. On the advice of a rescue organisation he called the fire brigade who attended but were unable to get their vehicles close enough. Gill and Ulf immediately changed direction, and on route Gill contacted Thames Water, who quickly gave details of their tree contractors. Everyone at Maydencroft environmental contractors was very responsive and in less than two hours they were on site with three 4×4 vehicles and plenty of staff. Hats off to Lewis Johnson who without hesitation went up in a cherry picker and wrestled the big cob into a swan jacket and returned to Earth. The swan was transferred to the ambulance pod where he was very subdued and dehydrated, but with nothing obviously broken. Gill offered him a drink and moistened his tongue, then he was left quietly before later admission to the Sanctuary quarantine unit for a few days observation.

Grateful thanks to Thames Water, and to Maydencroft for a fantastic outcome.

There is a brief video on this link of Lewis up the tree.