IT'S all cracking off at Abbotsbury Swannery as it prepares for an abundance of Bank Holiday babies.

The first of this year’s cygnets are set to hatch during the May Day bank holiday weekend.

Swanherds have counted 88 nests so far and the first cygnets are set to make an appearance around May 3.

The swans lay their eggs at two day intervals and incubation takes place 35 days after the final egg of the clutch has been laid.

Abbotsbury swanherd Dave Wheeler said: “So far we have counted 88 nests where eggs have been laid so far, which is slightly less than last year, probably because of the weather, but things are all looking very good.

“And one of the very first nests to hatch will be in a great position for visitors to get a really good view of the cygnets as they emerge.

“The incubation period can go a day or so either way, but we are very hopeful that the first youngsters will make an appearance during the holiday weekend.”