VOLUNTEERS have been out in force in Dawlish to try to batten down the hatches before Storm Benjamin arrives.

Members of WADE - Waterways Around the Dawlish Environment - carried out pre-storm work in a bid to protect as much of the wildlife as possible.

They were joined by Dawlish waterfowl wardens who have been adjusting the sluice gates in the hope that in the event of heavy rain, the Black Swan nest should remain safely in place.

Opening the gates will let water out at that weir.

WADE volunteers in Dawlish preparing for Storm Benjamin opening weir gates. Photo Noreen Goodchild
WADE volunteers in Dawlish preparing for Storm Benjamin opening weir gates. Photo Noreen Goodchild (mda )

The breeding pair Bert and Kimba still have two of three eggs laid remaining on the nest which has been built on a low-lying island in the middle of the Brook at Tuck’s Plot.

The swans have been fetching material to build the nest up higher in recent days.

Black Swan on the nesting site. Photo Noreen Goodchild
Black Swan on the nesting site. Photo Noreen Goodchild (mda )

A WADE spokesman said: ‘That’s the pre-storm work done before it arrived in the small hours.

‘The water levels have been lowered and the flow through the gates cleared, hopefully that will stop the forecast rain washing the nest away.

‘Unfortunately we may have lost a few little eels, some small fry and a trout, but the swans’ nest took priority.

‘We rescued as much as we could, most of the river population around the fountain which will be off until the storm passes.’