VISITORS and residents have been warned about feeding water birds after a group of swans began regular trips into the centre of Bowness.

A large number of water birds have traditionally frequented the shores of Windermere at Bowness, but in recent months, a group of around four mute swans have taken to wandering away from the edge of the lake and into the centre of the town.

It has become a daily occurrence for the swans to walk as far as the Tesco Express store where they linger outside hoping to be thrown scraps of food by shoppers.

A number of residents have expressed fears that the birds could be hit by the busy passing traffic or attacked by dogs, and also that their large size could be intimidating for pedestrians, particularly small children.

Marian Jones, area ranger for the Lake District National Park, advised people to resist the temptation to offer food to the birds.

“We work with a number of organisations and key landowners including the RSPCA and South Lakeland District Council to help manage the impact of waterfowl on Lake Windermere,” she said.

“One of the reasons swans and other birds are attracted to Bowness is because they’re being fed by locals and visitors in the area.

“Unfortunately, this can cause health problems for the birds and make them tame which can put them at risk from traffic and dogs.

“To protect these birds and reduce the risk of accidents, we advise people to not feed them.”

An ancient law states that mute swans are the Queen’s property and anyone injuring them could theoretically be charged with causing criminal damage.