A Bewick’s swan has arrived in the UK for the first time – more than 20 years after she was first recorded on the Arctic Russian tundra.
Galina, a 20-year-old female swan, was originally caught and colour-ringed by WWT researchers during fieldwork in the Pechora Delta in Arctic Russia.
After travelling thousands of miles across mainland Europe, she has now arrived at WWT Slimbridge.
Kane Brides, senior research officer at WWT, says “Because Galina carries a colour ring, WWT researchers know she has been sighted in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Poland and Estonia.
“Her arrival at WWT Slimbridge offers valuable insight into how Bewick’s swans rely on a network of protected wetlands across Europe.”
Bewick’s swans usually live to around 9-11 years on average, which makes Galina’s journey even more remarkable.
Galina arrived with a male Bewick’s swan named Grinner, who is a repeat winter visitor to WWT Slimbridge. It is thought that the pair are likely newly bonded.
The news comes at a time when the UK’s Bewick’s swan population has decreased, with the RSPB stating they are the rarest swan found in the UK.
Mild winters mean many birds now winter in central Europe – known as short-stopping.
The next International Swan Census, where volunteers can help estimate Whooper and Bewick’s swan populations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, takes places on 17-18 January 2026.
Top image: Galina the Bewick's swan. Credit: Tanya Grigg
