Royal Swan Upping set to reach Windsor on first day today

The Royal Swan Upping began on the River Thames today and is expected to reach Windsor this afternoon.

The event, which runs until Friday, is the annual census of the swan population on the river, and is overseen by David Barber, the Queen's Swan Marker.

On announcing the dates for the Upping, Mr Barber said: "The Thames' swans are nesting later than usual due to the prolonged cold spring we have experienced this year. The number of cygnets has declined over recent years, primarily due to the spring floods that washed away many nests, and of course there have been several outbreaks of duck virus enteritis which killed many breeding pairs of swans.

"Fortunately, the situation is looking more positive this year as we have received many reports of nesting pairs with eggs or cygnets. Late hatching can present its own problems; small cygnets are more susceptible to injuries caused by fishing tackle when the fishing season starts.

"However the health of cygnets will be assessed during Swan Upping week when they will be examined for any signs of injury and given treatment if necessary."

A number of schools are expected to visit the river during the week to learn about the census and ask questions.

The Swan Upping started this morning in Sunbury and is due to pass through Shepperton Lock and Penton Hook Lock, before reaching Romney Lock in Windsor at approximately 5.30pm.

The anticipated schedule for the rest of the week is as follows:

Tomorrow (Tuesday, July 16):

Eton Bridge 9am - departure point

Boveney Lock 10.15am

Boulters Lock 1pm

Cookham Bridge 2pm

Marlow Lock 5.30pm

Wednesday (July 17):

Marlow Bridge 9am - departure point

Hurley Lock 10.30am

Hambleden Lock 12pm

Henley Town 1.30pm

Marsh Lock 4pm

Shiplake Lock 5pm

Sonning Bridge 6pm

Thursday (July 18):

Sonning-on-Thames 9am - departure point

Caversham Lock 10.30am

Mapledurham Lock 12.30pm

Goring Lock 5pm

Moulsford 6pm

Friday (July 19):

Moulsford 9am - departure point

Benson Lock 10.15am

Clifton Hampden Bridge 1pm

Culham Lock 4.15pm

Abingdon Bridge 5.30pm

See this week's Advertiser and Express papers for photos of the Swan Upping.

Are you heading down to the river to watch the census? Tweet us your photos @maidenheadads or @expressseries