NOT even Storm Chandra has stopped the Black Swans of Dawlish.

The pair Bert and Kimba have been seen mating again just hours after their nest of six eggs was washed away.

With some of the highest water levels seen for years, the torrent of extreme rainfall meant even the top of their purpose-built island at Tuck’s Plot was underwater at the height of the storm.

Their nest and another built further upstream on banks of the Brook where Mr Blue and Mrs Pink, the other breeding pair had laid several eggs, were both washed away.

Waterfowl warden Don Phillips said Bert and Kimba have already been seen mating again.

The water has now subsided but more rain is due over the nest few days.

Questions have been asked why the eggs and nest could not be moved to higher ground.

Don explained it is illegal to interfere or disturb nesting swans or to move their eggs.

He said: ‘Even if we could move them, the power of the water was too great.

‘At one point we couldn’t see the top of the island.

‘We have raised the island already a few times but you couldn’t have it much higher or they wouldn’t be able to climb up.

‘It’s a good thing they are already mating again and they will nest again.’

The mating indicate there will be another attempt to nest once the conditions settle.

Volunteers from WADE were praised for their efforts in terrible conditions to shore up and protect the island by infilling the sides with shale and gravel using a shovel.