Did you know that Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you can walk through a colony of approx 600 nesting Mute Swans?  If you love wildlife then it really is wonderful place to visit and our trip was made even more memorable as the sun was shining and there were plenty of new cygnets to be found.

Feeding times at the Swannery are at Noon and 4pm* so we had plenty of time to read about the history of the area on the information boards and for the kids to have a ride on the go karts.

The walk through the Swannery is so pretty and even before you see a swan there’s lots of other wildlife to spot including pheasants, birds, ducks and dragonflies.

We reached the feeding area just before noon and had a lovely spot near the gate which meant when the keepers came in with their wheelbarrow of food we had a good view of the cheeky swans helping themselves while the guys got prepared.

There were quite a few visitors and it was explained that every child would have a go at feeding the swans in groups and as we were near the front I thought my daughter at my side would be one of the first to go in but to my surprise she was a little scared and refused so we watched the other children throwing food out to the hungry swans instead whilst listening to the commentary.

From here we meandered around the rest of the reserve going across boardwalks and spotting nests with eggs, swans and lots of cygnets who were recently born.

As you explore, keep an eye out for information boards like the one that explains the history of the Russian Prime Ballerina Anna Pavlova.  Anna was fascinated by swans while growing up and moved to England in 1912 where she kept swans on an ornamental lake at her home in Hampstead.  Whilst preparing for the production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Anna and her ballerinas travelled to Abbotsbury to visit the Swannery.

As we came back out of the reserve we came across the huge swan maze and after remembering a few years ago when myself and the kids got lost in there with my mum I decided it was best we all stick together.  Before you start the maze there’s a wonderful area for a picnic with some games for the children to play with and as you journey through the maze you’ll find a funny distorting mirror, bells, steel drum, piano rain machine and xylophone.

Our daughter was in charge in the maze so we followed her around and around trying to find the Willow Egg at the centre and on the 4th time of coming back to the same place we all decided it was too hot and left to go to the play park instead.  One day I’ll make it to the centre or maybe we could even refer to the map we were given haha.  If you’re not so hot and tired then I’d recommend doing the maze quiz which you can pick up at the reception and children will enjoy finding the clue posts to discover a secret word.  Hand your sheet to the shop as you leave and if your word is correct then you’ll be entered into a monthly draw for the chance to win a Family Super Saver Season Ticket.*

When we got to the café and play area the kids ran off to play while I grabbed us some drinks and a cream tea for me.  I’d already packed a picnic and had treats for the kids but the scone was freshly made and very scrummy so I couldn’t resist.  Sadly the kids spotted me trying to hide it and I was reluctantly forced to share which I suppose is better for my waistline haha.

Since we were planning to also visit Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens we decided it was time to go and jumped back in the car.  If you would like to read about the Subtropical Gardens too then please see our Blog post.

If you live in the area then I would recommend visiting each attraction on separate days as there’s plenty to see and do.  We could have happily spent much longer at the Swannery and would have made another attempt at the maze at least.

For more information including admission prices and special events, please visit Abbotsbury Swannery.

Good to know:

• Abbotsbury Swannery and Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are currently running a special offer and children are only £1 during May and June 2023.

• Should you wish to visit both the Swannery and Gardens then you can buy a discounted ticket which allows access to both on either the same day or within a certain time period.

• The café has appealing homemade cakes, pastries, light lunches and drinks with prices being reasonable.

• The Swannery is very child friendly and they have high chairs in the café and baby change facilities.

• There is a disabled toilet near the information area however all other toilets are at the entrance so you’ll need to make sure everyone has a toilet stop before going in.

*Any times and specific details are correct at the time of writing in May 2023.

Dorsetmums was invited to Abbotsbury Swannery for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.

Have you heard of DorPIP?  We are a registered charity that provides therapeutic services for families with babies from conception to two years of age.  Our mission is to help families flourish by promoting sensitive attuned parenting, early bonding, and healthy attachment to give children the best start in life.  At DorPIP, our focus is on prevention.  By treating the root cause of adverse childhood experiences and supporting families to overcome these, we can give you the tools you need to give your little ones the best start in life.

We offer a range of services to support parents and babies in their early years.  Our multidisciplinary team works with families to provide tailored support that meets their individual needs and goals for improving the parent-infant relationship.  And the best part?  Our services can be accessed in various locations throughout Dorset or online!

What Services do DorPIP offer?

DorPIP offer a range of attachment-led therapeutic services for families within Dorset from conception to two years of age.  You can read more about the importance of the first 1001 days.

Our Services include:

Parent-Infant Talking Therapy

Our trained therapists provide a safe and supportive space where parents can talk through any challenges they may be facing in their relationship with their baby.  During these therapy sessions, you will have the opportunity to explore your emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a non-judgemental environment.  Our therapists use evidence-based approaches to help you develop a deeper understanding of your little ones needs and emotions.  We also support you with improving your own emotional regulation and communication skills helping you create a stronger bond between you and your child.

Our DorPIP therapist will work with you to create a personalised plan that is tailored to your situation.  The number and length of sessions required will vary depending on your personalized plan.  Ultimately, our aim will be to help and support you to develop a healthier and more fulfilling relationship with your little one.

Parent Infant Talking Therapy can be transformative. Parents often report feeling more confident in their abilities to meet their baby’s needs and develop a deeper understanding of their little one’s emotions and behaviours.  But don’t just take our word, a DorPIP parent said after experiencing our Parent Infant Talking Therapy, “My anger management when my baby cries have improved and I more confident of what I am doing as a mother. I am more positive about life in general and I no longer see the world as bad and dark. I have a routine which helps me to stay positive.  Now I understand her more and what her needs are.  Because I feel more confident about motherhood, I am sure she senses that and in turn she feels less stressed too.”  Please visit our DorPip for more information about some topics covered in these sessions, or email [email protected] to see if you are eligible for a funded place.

Infant Massage Courses

Our Infant Massage Courses are a wonderful opportunity for parents to bond with their babies and promote early development.  Our certified massage therapists have been trained by the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM) and are equipped to guide you through the magical process of infant massage in a fun and relaxed environment.

Infant massage has many benefits for both you and your baby.  By learning massage techniques, you can promote the release of calming hormones, helping your little one feel relaxed and secure.  This can also aid in improving sleep, promoting better digestion, and boosting the immune system.  The physical benefits of infant massage are numerous, but the emotional benefits are equally as important.  You'll deepen your bond with your baby, creating a sense of connection and closeness that will last a lifetime.

Our 6-week Infant Massage classes are designed to teach you the necessary techniques to soothe and connect with your little one through touch.  By the end of the course, you'll have gained confidence in your ability to nurture your baby and provide the best possible start in life.

“The group was a lovely way to take some time to connect and bond with my baby and take home techniques I could teach my partner to help with their bonding too.”

– Parent feedback after completing DorPIP’s Infant Massage Course.

If you are interested in joining us for our next course and experiencing the magic of
infant massage for yourself, please visit DorPip for more information on the
current and upcoming courses:

Peer Support Groups

At DorPIP, we understand that being a parent can sometimes feel lonely and overwhelming.  That is why we offer peer-led support groups. 

Our Peer Support groups provide a safe, supportive space for your little ones to socialise, and for you to share your experiences and receive guidance and advice from other parents in a similar situation to yourself.  A DorPIP team member will also be there, facilitating the group and will ensuring that everyone attending has a chance to share their experiences and receive any support they need. 

Through our support groups, you can gain new perspectives, share parenting tips, ideas, and strategies, and gain emotional support from others who understand what you are going through.  After leaving a peer support group, you may have made a connection with someone and feel less isolated, and more confident which can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing, and more equipped to handle the challenges of parenting.

Our Peer Support Groups are a safe, inclusive space where all parents and babies are welcome, regardless of their background and circumstances.  At DorPIP we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to connect with others and we are committed to providing a welcoming and non-judgemental environment for all that attend.

Online Services

We understand that not everyone can attend our services in person which is why we also offer online support.  Our online services include virtual Parent-Infant Talking Therapy sessions, the same safe and supportive space with a trained therapist but can be accessed from the comfort of your own home.  We also run online Peer Support Groups, as well as having a variety of resources and information available on our website.

To further our online support network, we have active social media pages on both Facebook and Instagram where we share tips and advice, as well as updates about our current courses available.

CURRENT ONLINE COURSES AVAILABLE!

DorPIP Dads Course, start date 6th June 19:00-20:30

Attention all dads!  Your role in your child’s development is crucial, especially during the first 1001 days of life.  Research shows that secure attachment in infancy is a strong predictor of positive outcomes in later life.  That’s why DorPIP have created a FREE online course called DorPIP Dads!

This 6-week course focuses on parent-infant relationships, attachment, bonding and provides valuable skills to support your little one’s development.  You can sign up to our free course here.

By joining these sessions, you may build connections with other new dads that experiencing similar challenges and learn how to support yourself and your little one to help your family flourish.

We hope you have found this post helpful and informative.  At DorPIP we are committed to helping families flourish.  We are dedicated to supporting and improving your families’ relationships and give your little one the best start in life.  Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up to date with our latest new and resources.  Thanks for reading, and we look forward to supporting you and your family.

For any information or questions, you can email us at [email protected], or visit DorPip online.