King’s Swan Upping on the Thames shows healthy cygnets but rising litter

King Charles III’s annual Swan Upping ceremony on the River Thames took place last week, revealing a promising number of healthy cygnets despite growing concerns over increasing levels of river pollution. The event, held from 13 to 17 July, saw the Vintners' and Dyers' livery companies conduct their traditional census of mute swans along the Thames, from Sunbury Lock in Middlesex to Abingdon Bridge in Oxfordshire. On Monday, footage captured from Staines showed the teams rowing in traditional skiffs, carefully catching, measuring, and recording each swan before releasing them back into the river near Windsor Castle. David Barber, King Charles III’s Chief Swan Marker, has led the event since 1993. He expressed satisfaction with the current swan population, noting that the numbers continue to reflect a stable trend. This year’s count aligns with historical records, maintaining the centuries-old tradition that designates all mute swans on the Thames as either property of the Crown or the two livery companies. The practice dates back to the 12th century and remains a symbolic link to royal heritage. Swan Upping involves meticulous work, with each swan being weighed, measured, and marked using a unique dye. The process allows officials to track individual birds and monitor their health and migration patterns. This year, the teams encountered several young swans showing signs of distress due to injuries caused by human debris. Among the findings were swans entangled in plastic waste and others suffering from wounds inflicted by discarded fishing equipment. These incidents have raised alarms among conservationists and participants alike. Barber highlighted the troubling rise in river litter during his remarks following the event. “We’re seeing more and more instances of swans being harmed by man-made objects,” he stated. “It’s not just a problem for the swans, it affects the entire ecosystem.” The discovery of injured cygnets underscored the urgent need for greater public awareness and stricter enforcement of anti-littering laws along the Thames. The tradition of Swan Upping concludes with a formal toast to the King at Windsor Castle. This year, the ceremony followed its usual schedule, with no disruptions reported. However, the environmental challenges observed during the event have sparked discussions about how to balance historical customs with modern ecological responsibilities. Local authorities and environmental groups are considering ways to enhance clean-up efforts and educate the public on the impact of pollution on wildlife. The Thames has long been a vital artery for London and surrounding areas, supporting both human activity and biodiversity. Yet, as urbanization continues to expand, so does the pressure on the river’s natural resources. Conservationists argue that while the swan population remains robust, the threats posed by pollution could undermine these gains if left unchecked. Participants in this year’s Swan Upping emphasized the importance of preserving the ritual while addressing contemporary issues. “This is more than just counting swans,” one member of the Vintners' company remarked. “It’s about understanding our relationship with the environment and ensuring we protect it for future generations.” As the ceremony drew to a close, the focus shifted toward implementing practical measures to reduce litter in the Thames. Plans are underway to increase community clean-up initiatives and promote responsible behavior around the river. The success of these efforts will likely determine whether the tradition of Swan Upping can continue unimpeded in the years ahead.