AN AUTOPSY into the death of Bude Canal's much loved swans has brought reassurance that there is no evidence of foul play, according to the harbour master.

The RSPCA investigation in in early February, revealed that the male swan died of an enlarged heart and the female of trauma to her chest, which caused internal bleeding.

The RSPCA found nothing in the female swan's injuries to suggest she had been the victim of a deliberate attack.

Kevin Benson, harbour master for Cornwall Council, said: "We responded immediately the call came in about the swan,s and immediately contacted the RSPCA. The autopsy results were reassuring in that there was no evidence of foul play. All of involved in the canal have been devastated by their loss."

Although local people were keen to rehome a pair of swans in Bude, it has been decided not to replace the birds.

Interests

Cornwall Council has taken advice from Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset.

Dave Wheeler, that Abbotsbury swanherd, said: "You need a licence to move swans and it is only given if it is in the best interests of the swan.

"Abbotsbury swans are privately owned and although they are free to come and go, very few swans move on because the habitat provided for them tailors to their every need.

"Swans are very territorial. If you introduce swans to Bude and a pair of wild swans appears, then one pair would be forced to move on."

Paula Dolphin, Cornwall councillor for Flexbury and Poughill, said: "It is really sad we have lost the canal swans.

"We will wait a year to see if a new pair turn up and after this period we would take into consideration other alternatives."

Nigel Pearce, Cornwall councillor for Bude South, said: "I can fully appreciate the strength of feeling aroused by the loss of Bude's swans. Their dazzling white plumage and inquisitive nature won many hearts in Bude.

"Although their loss is tragic, we have every confidence that swans will naturally return to Bude."

Opportunities

Tim Dingle, the honorary warden of Bude Marshes said that swans will naturally inhabit areas with good quality habitat. He explained: "Bude canal and marshes provide good nesting opportunities and a variety of foods that have attracted swans in the past.

"Although nothing can replace the charismatic nature of the swans, wildlife is thriving in the marshes."