A swan and its eggs which have nested at an Ashfield nature spot are "thriving" just weeks after vandals torched its nest.
Ashfield District Council reported on April 6 that a swan's nest, in Sutton Lawn, had been set alight - causing severe disruption for the bird and its eggs.
This led to the council stepping in by closing off the footpath close to the pond, and fencing off the swan's nest to protect it from being targeted again.
And now the council has issued an update on the swan and its eggs, with a spokesperson describing them as "thriving" and saying that the swan has set up its own island in the pond.
The eggs are now on about day 15 of the hatching process, with the council expecting this to last about seven weeks.
Charles Edwards, Ashfield District Council’s environment and cemeteries manager, said: “We're pleased to report the ‘Sutton Swan’ and her eggs are all still safe and well.
"We believe the eggs are now approximately 15 days into their hatching process, which typically lasts around seven weeks.
"The footpath closure still remains in place as we continue to monitor the situation. We’ve had a lot of good feedback from residents.
"The hatching period is a long process but with the support of the community we look forward to a happy ending to this distressing story.”
Councillor Samantha Deakin, district councillor for Central Sutton and New Cross, says residents have been in touch "daily" for updates on the swan.
"What started as an awful story is turning out to be a great example of our council working with residents to protect our beloved swans", she said.
"I can’t thank our council enough for the proactive work they have undertaken to protect our swans.
"Residents have really taken the plight of the famous ‘Sutton Swan’ to their heart. They have been in touch on a daily basis asking for updates."
