Spring has sprung - which means it’s nesting season for these magnificent swans.

Abbotsbury Swannery currently has three nests with eggs so far, with many more to follow in the coming weeks.

Manager Charlie Wheeler, also warden of the Chesil Bank and Fleet Nature Reserve, has been a keen wildlife photographer for about 10 years and took this stunning image last week, when the swannery welcomed its first egg of the year.

The swannery is home to the world’s only managed colony of nesting Mute Swans.

As part of its management, it records the date of each egg as it is laid so staff can calculate, with accuracy, when each clutch will hatch. Swans don’t start to incubate the eggs until the whole clutch is laid.

The history of the swannery dates back to the Benedictine Monks, who built a monastery at Abbotsbury during the 1040s. The monks farmed the swans to produce food for their lavish Dorset banquets.

Abbotsbury Swannery opened to the public in March and is open every day until 5pm.