When a group of swans began circling a church spire, villagers' bemusement soon turned to concern.

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A nature charity thinks a mobile phone mast could be interrupting the Bewick's swans' navigational senses


For days, the birds continued on their strange journey, despite numerous attempts to put them back on course.

A nature charity thinks a mobile phone mast could be interrupting the Bewick's swans' navigational senses

But a nature charity thinks it may have solved the mystery - a mobile phone mast could be interrupting the Bewick's swans' navigational senses.

Natural England says radio waves emitted by the 80ft mast, which was erected 36 yards from Churcham Church, in Gloucestershire, may be interferring with the magnetic fields the birds use to direct them.

T-mobile, which erected the mast before planning permission was granted, has now been told the council could order it to be taken down.

A spokesman for Natural England said: "A poorly sited mast poses a significant collision risk for Bewick's swans in conditions of poor light or visibility."

Planning officer Mandy Rutsch said: "The situation is only temporary until July 31. This will ensure the mast should be removed prior to the period when the swans migrate. A permanent mast will be erected outside the Forest of Dean."