First cygnet of 2012 born at Abbotsbury Swannery

The birth of the first cygnet of 2012 at Abbotsbury Swannery, based on Chesil Beach, in Dorset, has not only brought excitement to staff, but if folklore is to be believed could predict a change of season.

Local tradition has it that the Benedictine monks, who owned the swannery and tended the swans 600 years ago, believed the first cygnet signalled the first day of summer.