Swanning around for the good of our water birds

Bryan Lea has been heading up MK Swan Rescue for the past decade, and for the last three years of those he has been accompanied on his rescue missions by Helen Shield.

Bryan and Helen (an HR Manager by day) operate under the banner of national charity The Swan Sanctuary, Shepperton who are a fount of knowledge regarding swan matters.

In 2022 Bryan and Helen were called out 126 times, and it really is a labour of love; they self-fund and pay for their transport and equipment costs in order to help the birds.

The work consumes our Great Linford resident, but how did you get started?

“I was at Willen Lake with my wife when we saw Margaret Burke rescuing a swan,” Bryan recalled, “We got talking and offered our help. At that time Margaret was rescuing all sorts of birds and mammals. We started off by being the transport section and then with training got into doing rescues. Eventually Margaret closed down and I carried on but only rescuing swans and water birds.”

Bryan’s working life began with East Midlands Electricity Board back in 1967 as a draughtsman, and most of his career was spent as a Drawing Office Supervisor, before retirement called after 37 years. ‘Putting his feet up’ is clearly a line that Bryan has never heard!

Bryan and Helen provide a valuable service that many of you won’t even be aware of; they work diligently and quietly, rescuing those in need with a minimum of fuss. Even if the birds sometimes make that difficult! And then what?

“We take injured birds to either St Tiggywinkles at Haddenham near Aylesbury, Animals in Need at Little Irchester or the Waterfowl Sanctuary at Godmanchester. We are very grateful to them and they do a wonderful job in returning our birds to full health.”

MK Swan Rescue covers Milton Keynes and only rarely goes beyond the boundaries, but as we’ve explained, there is plenty to occupy them here. How bad do you think things would be if you didn’t volunteer your services?

“Pretty bad,” he thinks, “Birds with broken legs and wings would be at the mercy of foxes. Birds found on the roadside would be involved in accidents and might even cause road traffic accidents. Most of our rescues are swans, some geese and the occasional duck. Ducks, if they can still fly are particularly difficult. In the past I have rescued four herons. They have to be treated with the greatest respect because of their dagger like beak.”

Swans get into all sorts of problems – some of their own making, and some are definitely the result of people failing to respect nature. “The main issues are fishing tackle, landing in the wrong place, dog attacks and territorial disputes, Bryan explains, “Swans can be very vicious with their own kind, even going so far as to try and kill any intruders to their territory.”

In the past, Bryan has been called to Hanslope Park, His Majesty’s Government Communications Centre, which proved a bit of a tricky time: “A young swan had landed in the top secret establishment and it was tougher getting in than actually rescuing the swan!” he laughed. “Another swan went on holiday to Woburn Center Parcs and found it sat on the beach with a leg injury.”

Bryan is 75 years old, and by his own admission, he’s ‘not in the best of health’, but leaving our city’s birds to fend for themselves simply isn’t on the agenda. There are some exceptions to his working practice these days, mind you: “If there is any running involved get Helen to do that!” he

The third annual GLPC Resident Recognition Awards will be hosted at the Conniburrow Community Centre on Saturday, October 14 – and we need your nominations!

says, “In some ways rescuing is what keeps me going and knowing that what we do does make a difference. It is a wonderful feeling when you release back into the wild a bird that was once at death’s door.”

Bryan and Helen are keen to increase their number and would love to hear from any residents who would be interested in stepping up to support their valuable work.

“The only requirement for anyone hoping to join us is that they have their own transport,” Bryan said, “We can train you and you don’t have to buy anything to start with.

“Eventually you might want to buy a canvas dog carrier, net, waders and buoyancy aid. Staying safe is of the utmost importance, and we always operate with two of us when near water.”

There are no set hours, some unusual situations to manoeuvre and – hopefully –the release of another magnificent bird at the end of your involvement.

Is this the challenge you’ve been looking for?

Drop an email to bryanlea@hotmail.co.uk

If you find a swan or other waterfowl in distress or in need of help, please call MK Swan Rescue on 07472 753256 or 07787 400047.

Donations towards their important work are always welcomed.

We say it often and it is true that our Parish is home to some exceptional people who donate their time for the community, but we want you to tell us who are the most deserving, and why. Maybe you want to applaud someone who gives their time to one of the many Parish initiatives to support groups. Perhaps your neighbour spends hours every week batch cooking for those less fortunate.

Maybe you know someone who calls in on the elderly, or the vulnerable to check they are keeping well. Do they do care for gardens or pop to the shop to pick up essentials for the less mobile?

“Our Parish is full of people making small, but significant contributions to the community and celebrating those people and their selfless actions is important,” said Tommy Hayes, “Last year’s award recipients were fantastic, and I’m sure this year will exceed expectations too.”

There are no categories, instead you make a simple nomination by heading online to our website at great-linford.gov.uk or pop into our office on St Leger Court and pick up a paper form.

The closing date for entries is September 30, but why wait?

Get on the case now and cast your vote(s) for this year’s Parish stars.