The Swan Observer Project

The Swan Observer began beside the water at Royal Victoria Dock in London.

In April 2026, Auro & Co founder Alexandra started documenting a mute swan nesting on a platform at the dock. What began as a few quiet observations became a daily story followed by people around the world.

The swan became known as Lady Swannella. Her partner, Lord Featherington, guarded the nest while nearby great crested grebes, coots and Egyptian geese raised families of their own.

The story was beautiful, unpredictable and eventually heartbreaking. Lord Featherington became ill and died while Lady Swannella continued protecting her eggs alone. The eggs did not hatch, but thousands of people stayed with her story, shared information and supported the volunteers watching over the dock’s wildlife.

Watching More Closely

Swan Observer is about more than one nest.

It is a record of urban wildlife living beside homes, businesses, transport and busy public spaces. It celebrates the moments people often walk past: a coot carrying a nesting stick, a grebe chick climbing onto a parent’s back or a swan returning to a familiar stretch of water.

The project also shares practical information about respecting nests, feeding waterbirds responsibly and contacting trained wildlife rescuers when an animal needs help.

Three Nests, One Dock

The experience inspired Three Nests, One Dock, an illustrated children’s book written under the name Sasha Goossens.

The story introduces children to the swans, grebes and coots of Royal Victoria Dock through observation, gentle humour, wildlife facts and activities. A free digital edition was created to make the story accessible, with a printed edition planned to support The Swan Sanctuary.

Part of the Auro & Co Story

Swan Observer reflects something central to Auro & Co: meaning often begins when we slow down enough to notice.

The project brings together nature, storytelling, community and thoughtful action. It is not a separate corporate campaign. It grew naturally from one person watching one nest and discovering how many others cared too.