Support Our Research

Lincoln Swan Project

The Lincoln Swan Project is a collaboration between Keele University and the University of Lincoln. The project aims to understand the ecology, behaviour, health and welfare of Mute Swans. In 2017 the project started a programme of colour ringing swans on the waterways in and around Lincoln, which enables our researchers to monitor their health.  The project has now ringed over 300 swans and we are currently gathering great data on resightings, thanks to a wonderful group of volunteer data collectors, University students and members of the public. However, gifts to support our research into these symbols of our city are still needed.

Donate Now

How Can You Support The Project

You can give a gift towards the research project to help purchase the equipment to tag these swans so we can keep track of their movements, as well as fund research associated-costs.

You can become a data collector by downloading our app where you can submit your sightings of these swans to provide us with valuable data on their behaviour and breeding success.

You can spread the word about our project so that we can increase the number of people looking out for the health and welfare of Lincoln's iconic swan population.

Lincoln's Mute Swans

A Symbol of Our City

Mute swans, scientific name: Cygnus olor, are an important symbol of the city of Lincoln, dating back to the rebuilding of Lincoln cathedral in 1185. Historically, large juvenile groups would over-winter on the Brayford, but recent surveys suggest that these numbers are declining. Many environmental factors may drive this apparent decline, such as a decreased food availability, aggression between swans for territory, or fishing lines or lead weights in the waterways leading to either a reduction in survival of adult or juvenile swans.

Mute Swan on water

Brayford Pool with Swan

Get Involved in the Project

Sign Up and Report Your Sightings

Your sightings are really valuable in helping us understand how swans use the waterways in and around Lincoln, as well as telling us where juvenile swans from Lincoln go when they disperse from their natal territories. Sign up to report your sightings as a volunteer data collector and download our app or contact the team at swanrings@lincoln.ac.uk.

Sign Up to Support the Project
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Contact The Development Team

University of Lincoln
Brayford Pool Campus
Lincoln
LN6 7TS

development@lincoln.ac.uk

01522 835835