PEOPLE using Midlands waterways are being urged to take extra care after a swan was crushed to death on a Worcester canal.

The RSPCA is concerned that inexperienced boaters who take to the water during spells of warm weather pose a serious threat to wildlife nesting on the waterways.

The charity's acting chief inspector Neil Tysall said a male swan was killed on Monday by an inexperienced boater going through a lock on the Worcester to Birmingham canal under Sidbury.

The male bird died from his injuries and his companion female and five cygnets were washed down the canal, where they were attacked by another territorial male swan.

Mr Tysall managed to herd the swan and cygnets back to safety further up the canal by filling the lock.

"Birds nesting on the waterways are very vulnerable at the moment and are reluctant to leave their nests, even if they are in danger from boats," he said.

Extra cautious

"I believe this incident was an accident but it illustrates the need for anyone taking a boating holiday or day trip to be extra cautious to ensure the safety of birds."

British Waterways' commercial manager Alisa Raeburn said it spent hundreds of thousands of pounds every year to enhance, improve and protect the environment for wildlife on waterways.

"It's always very sad when accidents like this happen, and we would urge people who see an animal or bird in distress to call the RSPCA for advice immediately," she said.