Historic Swan Upping returns to River Thames next month

The annual census of the mute swan population on the River Thames returns next month.

The Swan Upping starts from Sunbury lock cut in Middlesex on Monday, July 14 and finishes at Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire on Friday, July 18.

It has always been the duty of the Sovereign’s Swan Marker to count the number of young cygnets each year and ensure that the swan population is maintained.

Announcing the schedule for Swan Upping 2025, The King’s Swan Marker, David Barber, said: “Cygnet numbers in the last two years have seen a downturn, primarily due to the outbreaks of avian influenza suffered by the bird population across the United Kingdom.

“Fortunately, there has been a decrease in reported cases of the disease in the River Thames area in recent months.

“Calmer river conditions of recent weeks will also benefit young cygnets as they learn to navigate the waterways with their parents.”

The historic event takes place in the third week of July every year, and dates to the 12th century when the Crown claimed ownership of all mute swans, which were considered important for banquets and feasts.

Today, swans are protected and no longer eaten, but the Crown retains the right of ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water.

This ownership is shared with the Vintners’ and Dyers’ Livery Companies, to whom the Crown granted rights of ownership in the fifteenth century.

Mr Barber and the Swan Uppers from the Vintners’ and Dyers’ Livery Companies use six traditional Thames rowing skiffs on their five-day journey upstream.

They traditionally wear scarlet uniforms, and boats fly the appropriate flag and pennant.

After ending the day at Romney Lock at 5.30pm on Monday, the Swan Uppers will depart from Eton Bridge at 8.30am on Tuesday, July 15.

They will then visit Boveney Lock at 9.15am, Boulters Lock at 12.30pm, and Cookham Bridge at 1.30pm, before ending the day at Marlow Lock at 5.30pm.

On Wednesday, July 16, the Swan Uppers will depart from Marlow Bridge at 9am before moving on to Hurley Lock at 10.30am, Hambleden Lock at noon, and Henley Town at 1.15pm.

After visiting Marsh Lock at 3.30pm and Shiplake Lock at 5pm, they will finish the day at Sonning Bridge at 6pm.

Cygnets are weighed and measured to estimate their growth rate and examined for signs of disease or injury.

With assistance from The King’s Swan Warden, whose role is scientific and non-ceremonial, the cygnets are ringed with individual identification numbers.

Following the Swan Upping, Mr Barber produces an annual report outlining the number of swans, broods and cygnets counted during the week.

During 2024’s Swan Upping, only 86 young swans were found, which is a 45 per cent decline in two years.

“Sadly, issues of vandalism and cruelty continue to cause distressing and often fatal injuries to swans and young cygnets,” said Mr Barber.

“Dogs that are not under control also pose a significant risk of harm and death when in the vicinity of breeding swans and their young cygnets, and we would urge people to be more aware of nesting environments when walking beside rivers or other waterways.”

Children from local primary schools along the route will be invited to visit the Swan Upping event throughout the week and participate in Q & A sessions to view young cygnets.

Schools in the area searching for more information should contact the Swan Markers’ office on 01628 523030 or email info@royalswan.co.uk.