From Easter 2024, Tiverton invites families, art enthusiasts and locals alike to embark on a journey through the heart of our charming town with the unveiling of The Flock That Rock - Tiverton Swan Sculpture Trail.

Tiverton Swan Trail promises to be a wonderful blend of art, nature, and community. Elegant swans, each with a unique design by a local artist, will be placed at key locations around the town, transforming Tiverton into a scene of artistic expression.

Amy Dugard, Economic Development Team and Visit Mid Devon, said:

“As our swans migrate to Tiverton and settle into their locations for the season, we hope residents and visitors enjoy the outdoor art experience and rediscover parts of town they may not normally visit. Tiverton (meaning ‘the town on two fords’) is built around the Rivers Exe and Lowman and is also home to the Grand Western Canal.  With swans regularly nesting on all three waterways, the trail is designed to link the popular canal destination to the town centre, promote the shopping quarters, and highlight our key attractions and parks.”

The launch of the trail will be held at the Grand Western Canal Basin in April 2024, which will kick-start a summer of celebrations for the Tivertonian’s 50^th anniversary.  One of the last horse-drawn barges in the country, the living heritage attraction has won several awards.

Phil Brind, owner of the Tiverton Canal Co, said:

“We are tremendously excited to be part of this trial and to decorate our own swan ‘Rosie’. What a fantastic way to welcome people to Tiverton’s Grand Western Canal and encourage visitors to follow the trail into the town. We were blown away by the support shown to us by Tiverton and the Mid Devon community during the pandemic. To thank everyone, we will host a summer of celebrations at the Basin.  Following the trail launch, we will celebrate the first ever Horse-Drawn Barge trip 50 years ago with the Tivertonian’s special first trip of the season.”

Collect your trail maps from the Tourist Information Centre (at Tiverton Museum) and the Visitor Centre at the Canal Basin. Twelve swans will be located around the town, with a naughty escapee 13^th swan, ‘Swanning Around’, to find.  It will keep everyone entertained this summer!  Keep an eye on the Facebook page @TheFlockThatRock for linked events and news about our swans.

This trail has been funded by the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, through the Shared Prosperity Programme.