FAMILIES are set to flock to Abbotsbury Swannery this half-term to see the recently hatched cygnets.

Abbotsbury Swannery is the world’s only colony of nesting mute swans open to the public.

Swanherds noticed the first signs of hatching in mid-May when a pen – female swan – began hovering over the nest to allow the emerging cygnet room to peck his or her way free.

This mother swan was bereaved when her mate died due to a territorial dispute. Swanherds put up a fence to protect her nest and were astonished when another neighbouring cob, male swan, came and ‘adopted’ her eggs for his own.

“This is highly unusual behaviour,” said Deputy Swanherd Steve Groves.

He added: “Remarkably, he came down the stream and they paired up. Even though he is not the father of these eggs, he is behaving like he is, which is very odd.

“I have not seen anything like this in nearly 25 years of working at Abbotsbury Swannery.”

Thousands of visitors watch the parent swans and cygnets between April and October each year.

Abbotsbury Swannery, West Yard Barn, West Street, Abbotsbury, Dorset DT3 4JT.

Call 01305 871130 for more information.

What's on and where

Camouflage at The Tank Museum, Lindsay Road, Wareham: Join in for a week of fun family activities exploring the varieties, uses and history of camouflage, with tank action displays, weekdays only, and tracked vehicle rides. Normal admission, see website, open 10am, 01929 405096.

Sandworld celebrates science fiction: With a series of amazing sand sculptures on some of the most popular sci-fi films and TV series. Lodmoor County Park, open 10am, 07411 387529.

Meet the Octonauts at Weymouth Sealife Park: Lodmoor County Park, Weymouth, 01305 761070 or email slcweymouth@merlinentertainmets.biz. The park opens 10am daily.

101 Dalmations, Weymouth College’s Bay Theatre: The much-loved tale children’s tale will be performed by BTEC students at 1.30pm and 7.30pm.

King John’s Castle, Corfe Castle: The Feudals present a display of everyday life in Corfe Castle during 1205, 11.30am: archery display and 2.30pm: combat display. Event on each day until today.

Visit Monkey World in Wareham: The team rescue and provide rehabilitation for primates worldwide. Call 01929 462537.

King John’s Castle, Corfe Castle: The Feudals present a display of everyday life in Corfe Castle during 1205, 11.30am: archery display and 2.30pm: combat display. Event on until today.

The Keep Military Museum, Dorchester: The only museum dedicated to the regiments of Devon and Dorset is open Monday to Saturdays from 10am to 5pm. The museum is closed on Sundays. For more information go to keepmilitarymuseum.org.