PUBLIC access to a popular nature reserve's lake has been temporarily closed amid a rescue operation for an injured swan.

All access points to the lake at Langdon Nature Discovery Park, in Lower Dunton Road, have been shut off while its resident female swan is injured.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital have been trying to catch the swan to take her in for treatment with no luck, which has prompted to temporary closure to prevent further stress to the swan during this operation.

Visitors are being urged not to feed any of the wildlife in the lake at this time, respect the temporary closure and keep their dogs on aa lead at all times.

A spokesman for the nature reserve, run by Essex Wildlife Trust, shared on social media: "The brilliant South Essex Wildlife Hospital have been trying their best to catch her to take her in for treatment but this is proving difficult.

"Therefore we have made the decision to temporarily close the lake to prevent further stress to the swan and improve our chances of catching her.

"Please do not feed any of the wildlife in the lake. Please respect this temporary closure. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

"The footpath around the lake remains open for visitors to enjoy.

"We will keep visitors updated with further news. Thank you."

The park is the trust's largest inland reserve, set in 461 acres of woodland, meadows, lakes and historic plotland gardens.