The famous swans at the Bishop's Palace in Wells are on the move as resident pair Gabriel and Grace begin pushing their young cygnets to find new homes.

The sight of the swans chasing and pecking at their offspring might look alarming, but the Palace says it's a completely natural part of their yearly cycle.

During this time, locals might see the young swans wandering through the market square or exploring other areas around the city as they build up the courage to fly the nest.

The Palace is asking residents to give the swans plenty of space and keep dogs on leads if they encounter them away from the moat.

Adam Saunders, a representative from the Bishop's Palace, said: "Please don't be alarmed if you see the young swans being chased by Gabriel and Grace. It's just nature taking its course. If you're worried about an injured swan, get in touch with us, but otherwise, they're just setting off on their own adventure."

The swans, famous for ringing a bell at the Palace Gatehouse for food—a tradition dating back to the 1850s—are a much-loved feature of Wells life. Gabriel and Grace have been residents since 2019, taking over from the previous pair, Bryn and Wynn, who left the moat in 2018.

With this year's batch of cygnets preparing to leave, Gabriel and Grace are already looking ahead to the next breeding season, with nest building expected to start again in early spring.

For now, locals can keep an eye out for the young swans exploring new areas of the city as they get ready to make their way into the wider world.