The consultation follows the licensed wild releases of beavers at Studland, Dorset last year and this year in Cornwall and Somerset, as well as five years of monitoring at the Trust’s enclosed beaver project on the River Hooke, where a pair of beavers were introduced in 2021.
Since their arrival, the influential mammals have transformed the site through natural behaviours such as coppicing and dam‑building. Independent studies by University of Exeter, Wessex Water and other partnership organisations have shown that beaver activity can slow water flow, create diverse wetland habitats, boost biodiversity and help landscapes become more resilient to drought and flooding.
Beavers are now recognised as a native species in England, and the UK Government has committed to supporting their return to suitable areas. Dorset Wildlife Trust has submitted an expression of interest for a potential licensed wild release within the River Hooke and wider River Frome catchment. Over the coming months, the Trust will be engaging with farmers, landowners, communities, partner organisations and the wider public through meetings, workshops, drop‑ins and an online survey. There will be three drop-in meetings for members of the public to come along and learn about the potential benefits of wild beaver release. These will take place on:
Saturday 11 April from 9am – 3pm at Maiden Newton Village Hall
Saturday 18 April from 9am – 4pm at Dorchester Town Hall at the Corn Exchange
Saturday 2 May from 9am – 4pm at Wareham Corn Exchange
