A night time swan feeding session at Welney was joined by a special guest - the daughter of Sir Peter Scott, founder of the Widlfowl and Wetlands Trust charity.

Cambs Times: Welney Wetlands Centre. Leigh Marshal.Welney Wetlands Centre. Leigh Marshal. (Image: Archant)

Dafila Scott, fed swans at the Fenland visitors centre for the annual start of the swan feeding season at the Hundred Foot Bank venue.

Cambs Times: Welney Wetlands Centre. Ely tourism manager Tracey Harding, Councillor Richard Hobbs, Ely Mayor, Lis Aisling and Leigh Marshal.Welney Wetlands Centre. Ely tourism manager Tracey Harding, Councillor Richard Hobbs, Ely Mayor, Lis Aisling and Leigh Marshal. (Image: Archant)

Thousands of swans visit the Ouse Washes each winter and are a highlight in the region’s wildlife calendar.

Centre Manager, Leigh Marshall, said, “The commentated swan feeds that we run help thousands of people connect with these birds and learn about their fascinating stories.

“We were pleased to have daughter of Sir Peter Scott, attending and feeding the swans their supper for the evening!”

Among those assembled for the occasion at the visitor centre was Councillor Richard Hobbs, Mayor of Ely, the Mayor and Mayoress of Downham Market, East Cambs marketing team, Tracey Harding, tourism and town centres manager, and Aileen Sharp, the tourism development director.

All the visitors were given a presentation on the other special occasions planned for the winter by Leigh Marshall, who then led the way to the centrally heated hide.

Dafila Scott said: “The warm room and comfortable seating behind the glass wall, through which one can have this magnificent view of the Fenland landscape and watch a spectacle such as this, means that those of more mature years can enjoy the experience.”

From here guests watched as the swans flew in and Dafila Scott distributed two wheelbarrows full of food to the gathered swans.

While in the hide, they were also treated to one of the centre’s informative swan talks and met staff and volunteers for more in-depth answers to questions about the swans, and general wildlife topics.