It is firmly believed by many that there is a connection with the swans and the affluence of the area so the local legend states ...

The Mill Pond at Gilford Mill, a five acre expanse of water, was home to many pairs of swans that yearly bred their young in the environs. Over the past two decades the Mill Pond, through lack of use in the mill context, silted up and the swans left.

GML Estates, in conjunction with Banbridge District Council, will be restoring the Mill Pond along with landscaping and walks which will integrate the Bann riverside. It is believed that that this refurbishment is important to the regeneration of the whole area and will also bring a major psychological boost to the people of Gilford.