Winston Churchill’s beloved black swans at finally back at the war leader’s home of Chartwell after an absence of more than a year.
It was the dream of head gardener Giles Palmer to return them to the mansion the great World War Two leader called home.
Two beautiful young black swans are now enjoying their new home on the lake at Chartwell, near Westerham.
The National Trust, which looks after the historical building, agreed with Mr Palmer that more swans were needed.
It has been more than a year since the last ones were at the mansion. The very first ones were a gift from Phillip Sassoon in 1927.
Mr Palmer said they were an iconic requirement at the home, as they were much loved by Sir Winston Churchill.
Since their arrival, the garden team has been watching closely to ensure the swans have been settling in well to their new home.
The biggest danger is from foxes and mink – who have killed most of the previous birds.
Visitors have been spotting the elegant swans as they explore the tranquil lakes and parkland Sir Winston Churchill designed himself.
The birds have even discovered the special floating swan island the head gardener had installed on the lake over the winter.
The natural protection for the swans means the gardeners have been able to remove the unattractive fencing around the lake and return the waterside landscape to Churchill’s original vision.
Mr Palmer said: “I have seen the swans on their island once or twice but am confident that they will see just what they are missing out on as soon as the foliage on the island grows up.
“For now, I’m simply thrilled that the swans are settling in so well and getting to know the gardens.
“They’re getting so brave now that they adventured all the way to the kitchen garden recently.”
It is hoped they will breed without the year, and establish a new line of black swans at Chartwell.
The modern day replacements included a pair sent as a gift from the Government of Western Australia.
The black cwan, known as cygnus atratus, is a native of Australia and Tasmania and is also found wild in New Zealand to where it was introduced.
It is the world's only black swan although its flight feathers, normally almost fully hidden at rest, are white.
Visitors can meet Mr Palmer and get the latest update on the new swans, as well as having a go at planting some vegetables in the Chartwell kitchen garden.
All they need to do is phone 01732 863087 for details of the forthcoming Plot to Plate event.
Chartwell is open from Wednesday-Sunday all year round. The house is open from March 14-November 1 from 11am-4pm.
POSTED: 10/05/2009 16:00:00
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