'Heartbroken' Devizes swan to be rehomed

A swan that is "heartbroken" over the loss of his mate is being rescued and given a new home.

Charlie the Swan, lives in The Crammer pond in Devizes, Wiltshire, and recently lost his mate in an accident.

Local wildlife charities are concerned Charlie is in danger of being hit by a car, due to his grieving behaviour causing him to wander around.

Swan Support, a swan rescue charity in Berkshire, said: "It is a matter of time until he is killed as well".

Sally Noseda, 74, lives nearby and is one of a group of locals who have been looking after Charlie, even helping him use the zebra crossing to safely navigate the town's busy centre.

She explained that last Saturday the pair were "restless" and decided to go for a walk, possibly in the search for a nesting site.

Sadly the female bird took off and circled back around before reportedly crash landing on Southbroom Road and dying.

"It was a disaster," Ms Noseda said.

"We think she may have mistaken wet tarmac for the pond.

"She died and her mate was there - he was distraught."

Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital, a local charity, attended and have been giving advice to locals about what to do, along with specialist Swan charity, Swan Support and the RSPCA.

Ms Noseda said: "Since Saturday he has been calling for her, it's heart breaking."

She added they had hoped Charlie would settle down during the week, but he has been wondering down alleyways, into gardens, calling and searching for his mate.

"The Crammer isn't a good place for swans to live on as there are two big busy main roads either side," Ms Noseda said.

She added the town would be sorry to see Charlie go but that it would be a relief to know he is safe.

Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital said it can take a "long time for swans to grieve".

A spokesperson said: "Charlie is in danger of being hit by a car where he is. He can pair for life, but he will find a new friend when he is re-homed by Swan Support, who are fantastic."

Wendy Hermon, 54, from Bray, Berkshire, helps run Swan Support and said they were planning on picking Charlie up on Saturday.

Ms Hermon said: "The local people have done an amazing job of keeping an eye out for Charlie. It is so sad what has happened.

"If he was somewhere with more space we would let nature take its course, but as he is wandering around he is in danger.

"In the end he will get knocked down, its a matter of time until he is killed as well."

She explained the bird will be put in isolation for a week due to bird flu, before finding a new home in Berkshire.

Ms Hermon said he will be given five star treatment before being released with other swans in the hope he can meet a new mate.

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