There is a dark presence in Milton Abbas.

Almost since the village of Milton Abbas was built back in 1776 the lake has been home to a wide range of wild birds, there are various kinds of ducks, swans, geese, cormorants, herons, egrets not to mention the crows, buzzards and owls that live close by but there have been rumours of more unusual residents.

The lake is privately owned and it may be for this reason that it has become something of a haven for wildlife meaning that wildfowl less used to human company can find a peaceful home here, but this particular resident seems to have come a very long way.

Rumours have been circulating of a black swan, which is a very unusual sight, there are believed to be only 37 pairs resident in the whole of the UK.

They originally come from Southern and South Western Australia but a few have taken up residence in Dawlish in Devon, brought here by a resident in the early 1900s.

This one appears to enjoy living in Milton Abbas and has been seen consorting with other white swans and the geese that share its home.

If you decide to visit the lake to see for yourself please bear in mind that it is privately owned and there is no right of access to the waterside.

The above picture was taken from the path that runs alongside the lake towards the historic Milton Abbey.