Swans have to be one of Britain's most beautiful and much-loved birds.

Adults and children alike enjoy their semi-tame nature and our ability to interact by feeding them.

However, these graceful birds can be quite aggressive and East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service (WRAS) is regularly called to territorial disputes where dad attacks his offspring.

At this time of year, pairs of swans, which mate for life, are enforcing territorial boundaries and preparing nesting sites for this year's young.

The Cuckmere and Ouse Valley, Pevensey Levels and Glynde Levels have many swan territories. However, urban sites such as Hailsham Common Pond, Valley Road Ponds, Newhaven, Pells Pond, Lewes, Langney Pond and Hampden Park Lake, Eastbourne, are also used as swan territories.

Territorial disputes can result in the cygnets being chased into roads, crashing into hedges, being confined to land and at risk to predators as well as suffering from emaciation, malnutrition or injury.

Luckily, most cygnets will take the hint from dad and disappear off to find pastures green.

It appears to be these urban sites, where food is plentiful, where conflicts are more common.

Some debate whether the unnatural level of feeding by the public is the cause of cygnets being reluctant to leave.

East Sussex WRAS works on behalf of the National Swan Sanctuary, run by founder Dot Beeson, based at Egham, Surrey.

Anyone concerned about territorial disputes or injured swans can contact either the National Swan Sanctuary by calling 01784 431667 or East Sussex WRAS by calling 07815 078234.

-Trevor Weeks, County Rescue Co-ordinator, East Sussex WRAS