Dear Editor

It was good to see the article about the swan that was rescued. I was another of the concerned people trying to find the most effective help for the bird and I think it is helpful to clarify a few points.

As you reported, Swan Rescue South Wales collected him, and removed him from the river, taking him to a sanctuary near Droitwich. He could not return to our river because the two alpha males who drove him off the river him were still patrolling and would attack him again if he returned. Swan Rescue South Wales will arrange for him to be taken to a stretch of the River Severn where there is more space and he should be safe.

It was heartening to know how many people were phoning round to get help for the swan. Swan Rescue South Wales are the organisation to contact whenever we see a swan in trouble. They have come to the rescue of several of Ross swans in the past and they always respond. They are working very hard at this time of year - the breeding season - when adult males mark out their territory, evicting any potential rivals.

Elinor Kelly

Ross-on-Wye