This photo of two mute swans squabbling on the Boating Lake of Kearsney Abbey (near Temple Ewell and the village of River) was taken on a permitted Coronavirus lockdown bike ride (see map below).
It is one of my favourite images taken during the last few weeks because it came out far better than expected and contains satisfying amounts of my favourite colour, British Racing Green.
Mute Swans [1]
The mute swan (Cygnus olor) is a species of swan and a member of the waterfowl family Anatidae. It is native to much of Eurosiberia, and (as a rare winter visitor) the far north of Africa.
It is an introduced species in North America – home to the largest populations outside of its native range – with additional smaller introductions in Australasia and southern Africa.
The name 'mute' derives from it being less vocal than other swan species.
Measuring 125 to 170 cm (49 to 67 in) in length, this large swan is wholly white in plumage with an orange beak bordered with black. It is recognisable by its pronounced knob atop the beak, which is larger in males.
Kearsney Abbey [2]
A landscape made by people
Kearsney Abbey is laid out in an informal style. Its 10 acres of open parkland and lakes are popular with families.
Although never a monastic estate, the history of Kearsney Abbey can be traced back to the Norman Conquest.
The park as it exists today can be attributed to John Minet Fector, a local banker and merchant, who built a grand mansion on the site between 1820-1822.
Two adjoining ornamental lakes on the course of the River Dour provide a haven for water fowl. Kearsney Abbey also has a fine collection of specimen trees, including Beech, Lime and Yew.
A prominent feature is a Cedar of Lebanon tree which is believed to be one of the oldest specimens in the country.
The location the photo was taken from is marked "P2" on the map at the top of the red triangle:
Cycle route: Tower Hamlets in Dover to St Radigunds Abbey via Coombe Valley. From ruins of St Radigunds Abbey to Kearsney Abbey via Minnis Lane. Returned to Dover through the village of River.
Original map and biometrics are on this Polar Flow web page.
Abbreviated versions of this post are also on Facebook and Twitter.
[1] Source: Mute Swan
[2] Source: Kearsney Abbey
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