Dead swan found with fishing line in Workman Gardens Evesham

The bird was found in the middle of the river near Workman Gardens by Karen and Steve Bearcroft.

They enlisted the help of a man from the rowing club and his boat in an attempt to rescue the swan, but the bird had already succumbed to its injuries. 

Karen Bearcroft said: "We saw the swan laying motionless in the middle of the river and were able to retrieve the bird thanks to a lovely man from the rowing club and his boat. 

"When we first saw the swan we knew it had died but we didn't realise that it had died because of fishing line, it's very unusual and not common to see. 

"We see a lot of swans and other wildlife tangled in line and we try to help them ourselves but more often than not we end up taking them to the Vale Wildlife Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre.

"Without their continuous backup, help and support it would not be possible to do what we do and we can't thank them enough."

The stretch of the river where the bird was found is a no-fishing area and the couple said the police have been made aware of the problem.

Mrs Bearcroft continued: "We walk along the river twice a day and we do what we can to help the wildlife but we often find a lot of fishing line on the banks and on the pavement. 

"It's just carelessness, it's one thing for fishing line to be caught in the river but it's another thing to discard it on the river banks and fishing pegs in an area where you shouldn't be fishing to begin with."

The adult swan can be seen with a large amount of fishing line around its neck along with a fishing lure. 

Steve Bearcroft said: "The death of the swan was unnecessary, the bird must have been terrified as it strangled to death due to fishing line and more especially as it was in a stretch of the river where fishing is prohibited for all.

"I think attention needs to be drawn to this issue, especially because far too many swans and other birds are being caught in fishing lines."

Tim Lewis, head of client services at Wychavon District, said: “It is heart-breaking to think a swan died in this manner.

"I would like to remind everyone that Workman Gardens is in a no fishing zone.

"We will continue to work with the angling bailiffs to deter illegal fishing in the area.

"I also wish to urge all anglers who are fishing in licenced areas to be cautious with their equipment and ensure they leave nothing behind, especially fishing line, which can be almost invisible to wildlife.”

They found the swan on Monday, August 19.