Swan Lifeline
Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas. Swan Lifeline was founded in 1986 by a small group of people who had been involved with swan rescue and treatment for many years from a base in Windsor.
Swan Lifeline rescues and provides shelter and treatment for sick and injured swans. Our aim is to return them to the wild as soon as possible.
Initially we worked from private homes, while we sought a suitable centre. In 1992 Eton College offered us the lease of Cuckoo Weir Island. The following year, after building a treatment centre, outside pens and accommodation, Swan Lifeline moved in.
Our work is possible only through donations, legacies and support from the general public, our sponsors, trustees and volunteers.
Volunteers / Supporters
Our on-site team are available seven days a week, providing rescues, phone advice, treatment and care to our admitted swans. Our staff members are supported by volunteers and a hands-on management team of Trustees.
With your support over 30,000 swans have been rescued and treated to date.
We very much welcome volunteers at Swan Lifeline. Their input into the day-to-day running of the rescue centre and the care of swans is invaluable. Working with swans is an extremely rewarding job. Contrary to popular belief, swans are rarely aggressive and all have personalities of their own.
Our enthusiastic team of volunteers cover a wide variety of tasks including preparing food, cleaning buckets and troughs and hosing down pens. All our volunteers receive thorough briefings and training on working with swans – including swan handling and rescuing – and what working on site entails. There is also the chance to get involved in a wide range of other tasks.
