THE new black swan cygnets have been quick to venture out into their new surroundings.

As well as taking to the water for the first time, the intrepid babies, at about 36 hours old, decided to take a wander off their nest at Tuck’s Plot.

While they have been finding their wings on the Brooke, a few more adventurous youngsters, decided to head off on the road under the Viaduct.

Thanks for members of the Orange Army working on the South West Rail Resilience Programme, Dawlish waterfowl staff and Neil Salter, better known as Dawlish Beach Cams, the brood were soon ushered back to their parents and away from danger. 

The new family of seven cygnets is understood to be a record number in Dawlish. 

They started hatching on Thursday morning and have been attracted crowds who have been around Tuck’s Plot watching their progress.

One of the paths has been gated shut by the town council to minimise disruption to the birds. 

A town council spokesman said: 'Grateful thanks to members of the Orange Army South West Rail Resilience Programme, the Dawlish waterfowl warden and Dawlish Beach Cams for helping to recover our black swan cygnets who decided to go for a bit of an adventure under the road bridge this afternoon by the Viaduct at Tuck’s Plot.

‘All accounted for and back with mum and dad where they belong.’