The annual Swan Upping on River Thames educates about swans as they face challenges from pollution, shootings and fishing tackle injuries.  

This year’s Swan Upping was the first ever during the King’s reign on the River Thames, where any unmarked mute swans traditionally belong to the King.

The King’s Swan Marker David Barber, who was the Queen’s Swan Marker for 30 years, his team of Swan Uppers and Dyers’ and Vintners’ livery companies started the annual census on rowing skiffs from Eton on July 17.

David said: “We have a lot of injuries, a lot of shooting of swans - it’s horrendous. If we can educate these youngsters in the primary year, it will definitely help.

READ MORE: WATCH: First annual swan census of Kings reign comes to Bucks

“Pollution is quite a serious problem on the river, not only pesticides and things like that but we have a lot of oil discharge on the river – diesel oil, engine oil. And of course once the swan has all the oil on it, it has to be taken off and taken to one of the rescue centres to be washed and cleaned off." 

David said the swan population was at risk from fishing tackle injuries. The past year has also been challenging because of bird flu. 

During the five-day trek finishing in Abingdon in Oxfordshire, they stopped at Cookham on July 18 before continuing towards Marlow.

Children from Foxes Piece, Bisham, Ibstone, Holy Trinity and Danesfield Schools gathered at The Compleate Angler in Marlow on July 19 to learn about the swans and their conservation before David and the team continued their journey.