DISTURBING images reveal the heart-breaking story of two swans forced to make a nest for their unhatched eggs from discarded litter.

Crisp packets, plastic bottles and other items carelessly thrown away by visitors at Drumpellier Country Park in Lanarkshire were used by the confused birds to build their nest.

The horrifying images of plastic surrounding the birds demonstrate the widespread scale of littering and its impact on wildlife.

One visitor said, “It is absolutely disgusting. The poor swans. It is so embarrassing that we have this beautiful park in Coatbridge and the privilege of having these lovely animals yet look how poorly we are taking care of both.”

The two swans were seen adding to the nest, which sits in the middle of the park, and investigating empty drink cans with their beaks.

Swans lay up to seven eggs in late April and early May.

A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said, “Discarded rubbish is a blight not only for park users, but also poses a risk to the animals that call the park home.” (SD-Agencies)