This month we’re celebrating the return of wild beavers to Cornwall, as the county’s first fully licensed releases have now taken place – a landmark moment for nature recovery both in Cornwall, and nationally.
The beavers have been released in mid-Cornwall, within the Par and Fowey river catchment, following three years of planning and consultation preceding the government’s decision to allow wild releases in England.
Once widespread across Britain, beavers were hunted to extinction 400 years ago. Today, they are increasingly recognised as one of nature’s most important keystone species, animals whose presence shapes entire ecosystems.
Their return comes at a vital time, with one in six species now at risk of being lost from Great Britain. Through their natural behaviour, beavers create wetlands and play a vital role in restoring healthy river systems. Their activity slows the flow of water, helping to reduce flooding during periods of heavy rain, while also storing water in the landscape during drier months and increasing drought resilience. These wetlands filter pollutants and sediments, improving water quality, and support a greater diversity of wildlife, strengthening the overall resilience of the landscape to climate change.
The approval of this licence and the successful release mark a significant milestone for us, having spent more than a decade working towards the return of beavers to Cornish rivers.
The wild beaver releases have been made possible thanks to the support of Cornish business St Eval, generous donors and members, and those who have contributed to the Wild Beaver Appeal.
Wild beavers return to Cornwall see for yourself
Every year we run bookable weekly beaver walks from spring through to autumn at The Cornwall Beaver Project, where beavers were released in June 2017 inside a two-hectare enclosure.
The beavers here have made a huge impression on the landscape that is truly a joy to behold. Visitors can see the beaver dams in daylight then sit until dusk to try
and glimpse the animals as they emerge. Book tickets at cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
A Dam Good Time
Further to our usual beaver walks, we will also be running an extended event on May 28 at The Cornwall Beaver Project this year that includes a delicious barbecue, featuring locally sourced food and drinks. After your meal, we’ll show you how busy the beavers have been and teach you about their fantastic way of life as ecosystem engineers.
Before the walk around the enclosure, there will be a talk to learn more about beavers. Don’t miss your chance – book your place online.. cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk
