Swan Injured by Fishing Hook at Barrow Park Boating Lake
A much-loved swan at Barrow Park has been injured by a fishing hook, prompting a fresh warning that fishing is banned at the town’s boating lake.
The swan, known locally as Samson, was hurt after becoming caught by a fishing hook at the lake.
The incident has raised concern among park users, wildlife supporters and local residents. It has also led to a reminder that no fishing of any kind is allowed in Barrow Park.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s own guidance states that a local byelaw bans fishing in any part of the lake. This includes fishing with a rod and line or with a net.
Illegal Fishing Blamed After Swan Injured
The injury is believed to have been caused by illegal fishing activity at the boating lake.
Fishing hooks and discarded line can be dangerous for birds and other wildlife. Swans may become hooked in the beak, mouth, legs, wings or chest. Fishing line can also wrap around their bodies and restrict movement.
In some cases, these injuries can become serious if the bird is not treated quickly.
The incident involving Samson has led to renewed calls for people to respect the rules and protect wildlife in the park.
Rangers Reported to Have Faced Hostility
The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by park staff.
Reports around the case say park rangers have faced hostility while dealing with the issue of illegal fishing.
Rangers are responsible for helping keep the park safe, clean and welcoming. This includes supporting public safety, protecting wildlife and reminding visitors of park rules.
When those rules are ignored, the impact can be felt by staff, other park users and the animals that live there.
Why Fishing Is Banned at Barrow Park
Barrow Park is one of the town’s best-known public spaces.
The 45-acre park is accessed from Abbey Road, Park Drive, Park Avenue and Greengate Street. It includes a boating lake, miniature railway, playground, bandstand, glasshouse and other leisure facilities.
The boating lake is intended as a public amenity and wildlife habitat, not a fishing site.
The ban on fishing helps reduce the risk of injuries to birds and other animals. It also helps avoid discarded hooks, lines and nets being left around the lake.
Even small items of fishing litter can cause serious harm.
What People Should Do if They See Injured Wildlife
People who see an injured swan should not try to remove hooks or fishing line themselves unless they have been advised to do so by a wildlife rescue organisation.
Swans are powerful birds and can become distressed if approached incorrectly. There is also a risk that cutting line without proper checks could leave the bird with hidden injuries.
Wildlife rescue guidance says swans tangled in fishing equipment may need expert help and observation. Hooks can become embedded in the body, and line wrapped around a leg or wing can cause further damage if not treated correctly.
Anyone who sees a swan or other animal in difficulty should contact a local wildlife rescue service, the RSPCA, or the council. In an emergency where wildlife is causing a danger on a road, police may also need to be contacted.
A Reminder to Respect the Park
The injury to Samson has upset many people who use Barrow Park.
Swans are a familiar sight on public lakes, and many residents feel protective of them. Incidents like this show how quickly illegal or careless behaviour can cause real harm.
The message from the incident is clear: fishing is not allowed at Barrow Park, and people should not leave hooks, line or other equipment near the lake.
Protecting the park means protecting the wildlife that lives there.
For local residents, Samson’s injury is a reminder that simple rules exist for a reason. Following them helps keep Barrow Park safe, peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.
