It’s a dangerous world out there. After last month’s news that vicious eagle owls had forced the closure of a Bowland footpath, grough has learnt of an even bigger hazard.

Gateshead Council has put up signs warning walkers that bad-tempered swans are causing problems at the popular Derwent Walk country park. Cyclists and walkers are being advised to make a detour until the birds’ mood improves.

The swans are likely to act aggressively to passers-by during the next few weeks as they protect their nests during cygnets’ hatching season. A typical clutch of mute swans’ eggs is between three and eight.

There are three waymarked routes for walkers round the park, two for cyclists and one for horse riders. The Derwent Walk itself follows the route of a disused railway line. Red kites also nest in the park

See also

Footpath closed after birds attack