Anger as five badly injured swan cygnets rescued from canal near Worksop
Swan cygnets have had to be rescued after they were found with horrific injuries on the Chesterfield Canal just outside Worksop.
Newly formed Swan Watch groups in Worksop and Reford were devastated to hear of the latest incident involving five cygnets at Turner Wood.
It is believed the cygnets were shot with ball bearing catapults, and sustained injuries to their eyes, necks and faces.
The police have been informed and would like to hear from anyone who may be able to help with their investigation.
Diane Warboy, 66, of Turner Wood, was alerted to the swans' plight by a passer-by on Sunday, and alerted the authorities.
A volunteer from Yorkshire Swan and Wildlife Rescue attended quickly and the cygnets are currently being cared for in the Rescue’s hospital.
Three of the five were reported today as 'improving' while two are still seen to be struggling.
Diane, who has a small outlet selling refreshments and wildlife food at Turner Wood, has helped look after the swans and ducks on the canal for 17 years, and builds a nest for the swans with straw each year.
She said: "It was devastating to see the cygnets in such distress. We have watched over them from hatching. I don't understand why anyone would hurt them like this.
"It's not the first time such a thing has happened. In 2020 the adult swans were shot with an air gun and only one survived.
"There are also constant issues because fishermen don't tidy up and leave hooks and line lying around. It's a great shame."
Lindsey Holly, 43, of Shireoaks also saw the injured swans and helped to lift them from the canal.
She said: "These beautiful birds are part of our local environment and should be able to live without being deliberately harmed.
"It’s heartbreaking that this has happened again, and deeply upsetting for everyone who cares about our wildlife. People love to see the cygnets as they grow through the summer months.
"Whoever is responsible needs to be held accountable!"
A spokesperson for Worksop Swan Watch said: "This latest news has devastated all the people who have been looking out for the swans on the canal across the area. It shows how serious the need is for swans and cygnets we see locally to be cared for."
And Kathy Denman of Retford Swan Watch added: "There needs to be much more action by the Canal and River Trust, Environment Agency and Worksop and other fishing associations who have control of fishing in both towns.
"When the majority of three swan families in the area have been badly injured and one killed this year and we only have volunteer groups trying to help stop the devastation, something is going badly wrong."
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire police said: "On September 6 we received a call to report cygnets being injured at Chesterfield Canal in Turnerwood.
"It is alleged that a number of swans were injured between the hours of 7pm on 5 September and 2pm on 6 September, they were taken to a local rescue for treatment and recovery.
"If anyone has information that can assist officers with their enquiries into finding those responsible please get in touch quoting incident number 705 of 6 September 2026."