01/09/2026
** Warning ** - distressing image. Please read below an urgent plea from Warsop Wildlife Rescue.
WORKSOP CANAL
And so the saga continues...
Yet again, we have been called out to another cygnet tangled up with discarded fishing tackle along this stretch of canal.
The lure was successfully removed, but unfortunately the line trailing down the bird's throat met significant resistance and could not be safely extracted in the field. As a result, this little one has now been taken to the vets for further treatment.
This is becoming an all too familiar story. Time and time again, we are dealing with swans and cygnets suffering because of lost, discarded or poorly managed fishing tackle. Every rescue places additional strain on our small volunteer team and results in veterinary costs that we simply cannot continue absorbing indefinitely.
Enough is enough.
In our view, fishing on this stretch of canal needs to be seriously reviewed, if not banned altogether. The welfare of the resident swans is being compromised on a regular basis, and the situation is no longer acceptable.
It is not fair on these birds, and it is not fair on the small, struggling team that repeatedly has to pick up the pieces.
Please think before you fish. Dispose of tackle responsibly, take all litter home, and report any wildlife in distress as soon as possible.
We will update everyone on the cygnet's condition once we know more.
