Ukrainian refugees living in Dorset enjoyed a day out at a popular attraction.
On Sunday, May 21, 70 Ukrainian refugees visited Abbotsbury Swannery.
May is a special month at the Swannery, where visitors can look closely at the nesting of the birds, witnessing the life of their family.
Ukrainians had the opportunity to enjoy the unique place, feed the birds, and also watch the ringing of cygnets.
Lyudmila Goyman from Odessa said: “Thank you for the opportunity to take a break from the news and the opportunity to switch for a moment and breathe into a past life.
"I can't stop thanking all Brits for what you are doing for us and our country.
"I know for sure that we will pass on to more than one of our generations, that in Great Britain we found not only peace and the opportunity to be safe, but also relatives, from whom we learned goodness."
Maryna Dovbysh, a Weymouth area Ukrainian community activist from Zaporizhzhia, helped to organise the event. Her husband serves in a military hospital in Ukraine.
She said: "It's not easy being a refugee, even though it's been more than a year since the full-scale invasion, but it's still hard to get used to the fact that home and family are so far away.
"It's hard to enjoy life when rockets are flying into our hometowns.
"Oh, and it is not possible to put life on pause - life goes on, children grow, and we must learn to enjoy every day.
"Trips like today are very inspiring.
"First, it is an occasion for Ukrainians to gather together - there are many children and teenagers in our local community who happily spend time together.
"Secondly, nature is what heals. My children were delighted to watch the birds, my daughter liked the black swans, and my son had the opportunity to hold a fluffy baby.
"Part of our group climbed a grove - the view of the coast is simply incredible.
"This trip gave strength and optimism. When we return back home our hearts will be full of good memories about our time in England.
"We would like to say thank you to Andy Walbridge and to the generosity of Abbotsbury tourism, the warm welcome from Steve Groves (Swanherd) and the Swannery staff, funding from a local community group and the safe and efficient service provided by South West Coaches.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here