THE ICONIC Dawlish Black Swans have started laying again.

Just one egg has appeared so far but it could be the first of the next generation of the town’s swan population.

The prolific breeding pair of dad Bert and mum Kimba were spotted on the ‘island’ in the middle of the Brook waterway.

The area has recently been cleared by volunteers of WADE, the group set up to improve the Brook and its surroundings.

Now the famous swan parents have chosen it as their new nesting site.

The owners of Dawlish holiday accommodation Pilchard Cottage caught Bert in action turning the single egg.

They said: ‘The Black Swans of Dawlish have started laying again.

‘Unfortunately not in a particularly safe or sheltered location, so we will see what happens in the coming days.

‘Proud daddy Swan Bert took his turn caring for the newly laid egg in the centre of Dawlish Brook last night, whilst mummy Swan Kimba dug around in the soil for some nesting materials.

‘It was a bit alarming when Bert stood on the egg.

‘Let’s hope we have another healthy clutch of gorgeous baby cygnets in Dawlish soon.’

While the location for the nest is not considered ideal, it is understood the town’s waterfowl wardens will be monitoring the situation.

There is a purpose built nesting area, above the high water level nearer the seafront butt the couple have previously nested in rushes alongside the Brook as well.