The East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) is urging motorists to exercise caution on the roads, following a tragic incident where a cygnet was fatally struck near Alfriston on Monday, July 15.
Trevor Weeks, founder of WRAS, shared the heart-wrenching details: “A worried motorist called us at 11:40 AM after witnessing the incident. Sadly, the cygnet that was hit died instantly, but another cygnet was moved to safety by a kind-hearted driver.”
Responders, including Trevor and Senior Rescuer Keith Ring, arrived quickly. They found the frightened cygnet in a nearby drainage dyke and managed to rescue it using long poles and nets. After ensuring the cygnet was unharmed, they reunited it with its family.
The incident highlights a growing concern over wildlife casualties on roads. Each year, WRAS handles hundreds of confirmed and suspected road wildlife casualties. In 2024 alone, the charity has dealt with 165 confirmed and 149 suspected incidents.
Yearly Road Casualty Cases by East Sussex WRAS
| Year | Confirmed | Suspected |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 263 | 83 |
| 2018 | 248 | 96 |
| 2019 | 293 | 97 |
| 2020 | 277 | 166 |
| 2021 | 218 | 174 |
| 2022 | 279 | 216 |
| 2023 | 394 | 263 |
| 2024 | 165 | 150 |
The charity is emphasizing the importance of vigilance, especially during this time of year when many wild animals and birds are active. Trevor Weeks stated, “About 90% of casualties where the cause is known are linked, either directly or indirectly, to human activities.”
Motorists are encouraged to slow down, particularly in known wildlife hotspots marked with council warning signs. The WRAS also advises drivers to be cautious near waterways, ponds, and rural roads where visibility may be obstructed by vegetation or embankments.
Swan, ducks, and geese are moving around to find suitable food sources. Young badgers and foxes are exploring more and crossing roads they are unfamiliar with. Birds are learning to fly and may not be adept at it yet,” said Trevor.
Despite efforts by developers to reduce casualties during construction and preserve habitats, urban development continues to pose a long-term risk to wildlife. Gardens and some housing estates have become crucial habitats, successfully boosting local hedgehog populations.
Areas frequently responded to by WRAS for road casualties include:
- A27 Beddingham
- A259 Pevensey to Little Common
- C7 Between Lewes and Newhaven
- Ersham Road Hailsham
- A22 and A26 near Little Horsted
- A27 between Firle and Selmeston
- A22 and A27 around Polegate
- A22 Golden Jubilee Way
In Eastbourne, Sevenoaks Road, Lottbridge Drove, Royal Parade, and Princes Road are common areas for swan crash-landings due to turbulence, often resulting in road casualties.
For more information on key locations for road casualties and how to support WRAS’s efforts, visit WRAS Road Casualties Map and the Vital Summer Staff Appeal.
