The International Swan Census 2020 takes place over the weekend of 11-12 January and will gather information on numbers of Bewick’s and whooper swans as well as information on breeding success and habitat use. In Sussex the following sites will ideally be checked during or near the census weekend:

Knepp Millpond
River Arun (Arundel to Littlehampton)
Adur Levels
Henfield Brooks
Amberley Wild Brooks
Pulborough Brooks (north and south)
River Arun (Houghton to Offham)
Bury Brooks
River Ouse (Southease to Lewes Brooks)

Most of these sites will be covered by existing WeBS volunteers who should conduct their WeBS counts in the usual way and simply record some additional information if Bewick’s or whooper swans are present (information will be sent to these volunteers).

If you know of any other site where Bewick’s or whooper swans are possible during January and would like to make a visit during or near the census weekend, please contact Helen Crabtree at hcrabtree@gmail.com for further instructions.

In addition, any sightings of Bewick’s or whooper swans at these or any other sites in Sussex on any date in January should be reported.