The first of October marks the one-year anniversary of when Eurasian beavers, Castor fiber, were recognised as a resident native species once again in England and listed as a European protected species. The recognition of this incredibly influential mammal is a moment to celebrate, especially at a time when we fear the loss of so many threatened species after the State of Nature report was published earlier this week. 

The change in legislation that came into action on 1 October 2022 safeguarded the future of beaver populations in the UK by enabling them legal protection from persecution. This will drastically aid the recovery of the currently fragmented populations of wild free-living beavers seen across six sites in the UK. 

Beavers were once widespread throughout freshwater habitats across Britain, before being hunted to extinction around the 16th century. With these semi-aquatic rodents slowly returning to their rightful home, there are now ‘free-living’ populations on several river catchments in southern England, as well as small populations in several enclosed projects across the country. 

We are so pleased to announce that the beaver family at our very own Dorset Beaver Project site continues to thrive. This summer saw the exciting discovery of a second litter of kits born at the site, with the two new kits recorded bringing the family total to seven individuals (two adults, three one-year olds and two new kits). 

The newest additions to the enclosed site have been spotted exploring (sometimes clumsily, as seen in the video below) their watery surroundings, and those of us that are lucky enough to monitor the site and lead guided tours for the public have been treated to some incredible views of the animals. The arrival of kits this year is a sure sign that the beaver family is healthy and happy in their Dorset home. We are working alongside expert beaver ecologists to ensure the evolving beaver family continues to thrive in the complex and diverse wetland habitat that they have created at the project site.  

Beavers are primarily nocturnal and extremely secretive animals, so the chances of spotting one of them in our enclosed site are slim. So we are thrilled to be able to share some of these fantastic images and videos of the special new additions to the site!

The glorious sound of water trickling through a beaver dam in a beaver-created wetland is something to treasure and an absolute treat to immerse ourselves in once again. Numerous guided visits to the project site in west Dorset have provided excellent opportunities for engagement with the public, raising awareness and understanding about beavers and what it means to have them back in our magnificent county. 

And it's not just the human visitors that have been appreciating the beautiful beaver wetland - as you can see from the videos below.

The Wildlife Trusts are lobbying government to progress with licensed ‘free-living’ reintroductions, and we are hoping for good news on this at some stage soon, to further facilitate the return of beavers to our region. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the latest footage of the beaver family at our project site. 

Stay tuned for more updates on the beaver family. 

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