Calls for ‘clarity and urgency’ from Government on plans for beavers

A charity which pioneered the reintroduction of beavers is now calling for greater clarity and urgency from the Government in relation to its national plans for the widespread return of the animals.

Devon Wildlife Trust says it welcomes the recent announcement from Government that Eurasian beavers will be given legal protection in England from 1st October 2022, and the publication of guidance in early September which outlines how beavers might be managed in the future.

However, the charity is concerned that the proposals lack ambition and detail. It warns that, in their current form, they will not deliver the widespread reintroduction of a species which scientific studies have shown can improve water quality in rivers, stabilise water flows during times of drought and flood, store carbon and boost other wildlife.(1)  

Harry Barton is Devon Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive. In 2015 the charity led a successful trial on the River Otter in Devon where England’s first wild population of beavers were reintroduced – 400 years after their extinction due to hunting and habitat loss. This trial was a great success and the Government subsequently agreed that the beavers on the River Otter could remain in the wild and spread naturally to other rivers. Harry said:

“A summer of record-breaking heat and drought has highlighted the urgency of making our landscapes more resilient to the unfolding climate emergency. Beavers have created green oases in our parched river valleys, because of their ability to store water through dam building and wetland creation.  And we know they can reduce peak flows in times of flood and help improve water quality. 

The Government’s recent announcements on protection for beavers and their management are good news, but they lack clarity and a sense of urgency.  We need a clear plan and timetable so these amazing animals can become part of the wildlife of rivers throughout England.”

The Wildlife Trusts and Beaver Trust is backing this call in a letter to Ranil Jayawadena, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This asks Government to make five key actions to ensure beaver reintroductions can take place on a scale and at a pace which will bring maximum advantage to wider society. These actions include:

1. Publishing an ambitious strategy and timeline for beaver reintroduction in English river catchments.
2. Reconsidering the proposals for funding beaver releases into the wild. At present these impose prohibitive levels of upfront costs on groups wanting to reintroduce beaver populations.
3. Establishing a system of financial support which will reward the farmers and landowners who provide space for beavers and their wetlands.
4. Putting in place and then resourcing a network of Beaver Management Groups across England to support farmers, landowners and local communities as new beaver populations become established.
5. Confirming the futures of existing wild living beaver populations (including the Tamar in Devon and the Stour in Kent) outside of the River Otter, Devon. 

Sandra King, Chief Executive of Beaver Trust, commented:

“Beavers bring such an astonishing array of ecosystem services to our landscape, this truly is an historic day for the species in England. It is thanks to the hard work and determination of pioneering individuals and wildlife organisations that the recovery of this once-native animal is able to celebrate this milestone.

“It remains urgent and vital that the Government delivers a clear, ambitious policy and licensing guidance to support beaver restoration in the wild.  At the end of the day, if we are to welcome beavers back as a native animal our primary objective must be to target positive coexistence with beavers. A properly resourced, forward looking strategy will enable land managers and communities to do this.”

Ali Morse, water policy manager of The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“The Government’s recent consultation on the future of beavers in England showed significant support for their widespread reintroduction. Of more than 3,000 responses nearly 70% were positive about Defra’s plans for the return of beavers. Even among the minority who objected the most common reason given was that the pace of Government plans for their return was too slow! (2)

The return of beavers to rivers across England has public support and is line with the Government's own commitments enshrined in its 25-year Environment Plan and the legally binding target of its Environment Act 2021 to halt nature’s decline. What we need now is action.”

Beaver female - Photo credit Mike Symes

Beaver kits - Photo credit Mike Symes

Beaver female with kits - Photo credit Mike Symes

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Footnotes.

• River Otter Beaver Trial: Science and Evidence Report > CLICK HERE 
• Consultation Outcome: summary of responses and next steps regarding the Government’s public consultation on the approach to the reintroduction of beavers in England> CLICK HERE 

About Devon Wildlife Trust: Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with more than 36,000 members. The charity manages 60 nature reserves across Devon, including a range of beautiful landscapes such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths. Devon Wildlife Trust relies on charitable donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the general public to raise more than £5million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Beavers do dam good work cleaning water, research reveals

Beavers could help clean up polluted rivers and stem the loss of valuable soils from farms, new research shows.
 

The study, undertaken by scientists at the University of Exeter using a captive beaver trial run by the Devon Wildlife Trust, has demonstrated the significant impact the animals have had on reducing the flow of tonnes of soil and nutrients from nearby fields into a local river system.
 

The research, led by hydrologist Professor Richard Brazier, found that the work of a single family of beavers had removed high levels of sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus from the water that flowed through their 2.5 hectare enclosure.
 

The family of beavers, which have lived in fenced site at a secret location in West Devon since 2011, have built 13 dams, slowing the flow of water and creating a series of deep ponds along the course of what was once a small stream.
 

Researchers measured the amount of sediment suspended, phosphorus and nitrogen in water running into the site and then compared this to water as it ran out of the site having passed through the beavers’ ponds and dams. They also measured the amount of sediment, phosphorus and nitrogen trapped by the dams in each of the ponds.
 

Their results showed the dams had trapped more than 100 tonnes of sediment, 70% of which was soil, which had eroded from ‘intensively managed grassland’ fields upstream. Further investigation revealed that this sediment contained high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, which are nutrients known to create problems for the wildlife in rivers and streams and which also need to be removed from human water supplies to meet drinking-quality standards.
 

The research was funded by Westland Countryside Stewards and the Natural Environment Research Council and conducted by a team from the University of Exeter led by Professor of Earth Surface Processes, Richard Brazier. Professor Brazier said:
 

“It is of serious concern that we observe such high rates of soil loss from agricultural land, which are well in excess of soil formation rates. However, we are heartened to discover that beaver dams can go a long way to mitigate this soil loss and also trap pollutants which lead to the degradation of our water bodies. Were beaver dams to be commonplace in the landscape we would no doubt see these effects delivering multiple benefits across whole ecosystems, as they do elsewhere around the world.”
 

The research findings about beavers’ positive impact on soil erosion losses and pollution in water courses come at a time of growing concern about these issues. In 2009 a separate study estimated that the total cost of soil loss from the UK’s agricultural land was £45million, much of which was due to the impacts of sediment and nutrient pollution downstream.
 

Devon Wildlife Trust has been conducting its enclosed beaver trial for seven years, while since 2015 it has also been running another beaver project involving a population of wild-living beavers on the River Otter, East Devon. The charity’s Director of Conservation and Development, Peter Burgess said:
 

“Our partnership with Exeter University working on both our fenced and unfenced beaver trials is revealing information which shows the critical role beavers can play, not only for wildlife, but the future sustainability of our land and water. It is truly inspiring to have our observations confirmed by detailed scientific investigations.”
 

The research, ‘Sediment and Nutrient Storage in a Beaver Engineered Wetland’ is published in the academic journal, Earth Processes and Landforms. It is available to read on-line at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/esp.4398

One of the Devon Beavers. Photo copyright Michael Symes Devon Wildlife Trust (All rights reserved)

Wildlife lovers have the chance to Adopt-a-Beaver this Christmas.

Devon Wildlife Trust leads England’s only wild beaver re-introduction project, on east Devon’s River Otter. The project receives no government funding, relying on donations from people who care about wildlife and are enthusiastic about Devon’s wild beavers.

This month, the charity has launched the Adopt-a-Beaver scheme to help raise funds for the River Otter Beaver Trial. The five year trial is scheduled to run until 2020, working to gather evidence on the beavers’ impacts on the landscape and wildlife, infrastructure and farm businesses in the Otter valley. Introduction of further beavers into the river system is also covered by the project licence from Natural England.

Each virtual adoption includes a soft toy beaver wearing a Devon Wildlife Trust ‘Beavers are Back’ T-shirt. The charity’s Dan Smith explains: “The beaver soft toy is modelled on the project mascot, Nora, whose name was chosen in a public competition by a shop-owner in Sidmouth. These beaver soft toys are unique to Devon Wildlife Trust and the River Otter Beaver Trial and are not available anywhere else.”

Adopt-a-Beaver packs are available for children and adults for £30. All packs include the unique-to-Devon beaver soft toy but children’s packs also feature a beaver quiz, word-search, maze and colouring sheet.

For an additional £10, the pack also includes a beaver wood chip, gnawed from a Devon tree by one of the beavers living in the county. These wood chips - which come with a card of authenticity in a presentation box - have been collected from a site where Devon beavers are active.

These unique Devon gifts support what Chris Packham has described as “one of the most exciting conservation projects of the 21st century”, the River Otter Beaver Trial.

DWT’s Dan Smith said: “It’s heartening to see the continued enthusiasm for Devon’s beavers, more than two years after DWT first re-introduced beavers back on to the river after their health screening. Again this year, dozens of wildlife watchers gathered on the River Otter’s footpaths on summer evenings to spot parent beavers swimming with their new-born kits. Adopt-a-Beaver packs and Devon beaver wood chips are the ideal gifts for anyone who wants to see these charismatic mammals thriving in our countryside.” 

Beaver gifts are available from www.devonwildlifetrust.org/support-devon-beavers or by calling 01392 279244 or calling in to DWT’s headquarters at Cricklepit Mill in Exeter, on a weekday. 

 

River Otter beaver kits - Photo copyright Mike Symes.(All Rights Reserved)

Beavers win top BBC Countryfile award

The remarkable story of Devon's wild beavers goes on with the announcement that the Westcountry rodents have now won a top national award.

Readers of BBC Countryfile Magazine have selected the River Otter Beaver Trial based in East Devon, along with the Scottish Beaver Trial, as their 'Wildlife Success Story of the Year' for 2017. The public poll attracted 56,000 votes across its 12 award categories.

The accolade is recognition of the work being done with the East Devon beavers by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust. The beavers are the first wild population of the animals to exist in England for 400 years. Devon Wildlife Trust leads the River Otter Beaver Trial in partnership with Clinton Devon Estates, University of Exeter and the Derek Gow Partnership.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Mark Elliott manages the River Otter Beaver Trial and said:

"We're delighted to have won this prestigious BBC Countryfile Magazine Award. The fact that thousands of members of the public have taken the time to vote for beavers in Devon and in Scotland shows the wide support these charismatic creatures enjoy."

A breeding population of beavers was first discovered on the River Otter in 2014. No one knows how the beavers came to be living wild in East Devon. In 2015 Devon Wildlife Trust was granted a five-year licence from Natural England. This allowed the beavers to remain after they were initially threatened with removal. The licence also allowed the charity to establish a project which will monitor the beavers until 2020 when a decision about their long term future is to be made by the government.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Mark Elliott added:

"The BBC Countryfile Award stands as a tribute to the strong partnership we've established to conduct the trial. Our research is now beginning to show the important role that beavers could play across our wider countryside in improving water quality, mitigating against the worst effects of flooding and drought, and in benefiting other wildlife. The trial has a long way to go, but this is a very public endorsement of the work we've done with beavers here in Devon and of the trial that has already been carried out in Scotland."

News that Devon's beavers were in the running for the BBC Wildlife Magazine Awards was announced in February. Nominations were made by a panel of judges which included the author Bill Bryson, along with broadcasters John Craven and Anita Rani. Other nominated projects in the same award category included conservation work done with dormice, cirl buntings, bumblebees and bitterns.

Prof Richard Brazier, University of Exeter, project partner and Chair of the River Otter Beaver Trial's Science and Evidence Forum welcomed the public recognition:

"Undertaking research into the impacts of beavers is a challenging yet highly rewarding field of study, made all the more fascinating via the genuine partnership approach that Devon Wildlife Trust is leading and the huge interest in this keystone species shown by the general public."

Dr Sam Bridgewater, Conservation Manager for Clinton Devon Estates, said:

"There was a lot of stiff competition. The award is testament to the hard work of all the partners involved. Clinton Devon Estates recognises that the beavers can have great benefits for wildlife and society and this award is affirmation that these benefits are being recognised nationally. We are very grateful to everyone who has voted for this project."

Devon-based mammal expert and project partner Derek Gow said:

"I am over the moon that the Devon Beaver Trial has been given this recognition.  I have worked with this magnificent species for 22 years. It is just brilliant that BBC Countryfile Magazine have recognised the importance of beavers in the presentation of this award."

Chairman of Natural England, Andrew Sells, said:

"I would like to add my congratulations to Devon Wildlife Trust for their work on this programme. Their careful planning and monitoring of England's first wild population of beavers for 400 years continues to provide us with important evidence on any impacts which a potential reintroduction might have. This is an exciting time for conservation and their award success is a clear indication that many people are very supportive of this scheme."

It is thought that around 20 beavers now live on the River Otter which winds its way through 20 miles of East Devon countryside. Last year one breeding pair of the rodents established themselves on land owned by Clinton Devon Estates close to the village of Otterton. Throughout the summer the adults along with their five offspring, known as kits, were seen most evenings. The family drew hundreds of visitors to the area.

The River Otter Beaver Trial receives no government funding. People can learn more about its work help and give their support via www.devonwildlifetrust.org/make-a-donation

Female (mother) and kits on the River Otter, East Devon, August 2016. Photo copyright Mike Symes (All rights reserved)

Local charity nominated for top BBC Countryfile award

Local conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust could be in line for a prestigious honour for its work with beavers.

The Trust has been nominated jointly with a similar project in Scotland in the 'Wildlife Success of the Year' category of the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2017. The nomination is recognition of the work being done by Devon Wildlife Trust with the beavers which are living on the River Otter in East Devon. The beavers are thought to be the first wild population in England for 400 years. The Trust is now hoping that people from across Devon, the South West and beyond will vote in the poll being organised by BBC Countryfile Magazine which will determine the winner.

The Trust's Steve Hussey said:

"We were delighted to hear the good news of the nomination. Now that public voting has opened we're urging all beaver supporters to get their votes in either on-line or via a copy of BBC Countryfile Magazine. If we can win it will show public support for these important and fascinating animals."

A breeding population of beavers was first discovered on the River Otter in 2014. No one knows how the beavers came to be living wild in East Devon. In 2015 Devon Wildlife Trust was granted a five-year licence from Natural England which allowed the beavers to remain after they were initially threatened with removal. The licence also allowed the charity to establish a project which will monitor the beavers until 2020 when a decision about their long term future is to be made by the government. The project involves several local partners including Clinton Devon Estates,

University of Exeter and the Derek Gow Consultancy.

Steve added:

"We're very proud to be leading the River Otter Beaver Trial. Beavers are remarkable animals which can add to the richness of our countryside's wildlife and play a part in improving water quality and even help guard against the worst effects of flooding. Beavers went extinct in the UK centuries ago, but now they are back in Devon they have certainly become celebrities attracting many hundreds of people hoping to see them."

Shortlisting for the BBC Wildlife Magazine Awards was done by a panel of judges which included Bill Bryson, John Craven and Anita Rani. The nomination draws attention to the beavers' long absence from the UK countryside and the historic work done with the animals both in Scotland and Devon.

The nomination reads:

"These riparian architects were hunted to extinction in Britain 400-500 years ago. Now, thanks to the success of a trial on the Knapdale Estate in Argyll, they've been given leave to stay and Government protection [in Scotland], making them the first mammals to be officially reintroduced to the UK landscape. In Devon, a wild breeding population is living on the River Otter and is being monitored by the Devon Wildlife Trust."

Other nominated projects in the same award category include conservation work done with dormice, cirl buntings, bumblebees and bitterns.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey added:

"All the projects nominated would be worthy winners, but there is something about beavers, the fact that they have been lost for so long and now are back which we feel gives them the edge. Being involved in the project, seeing the animals swimming in a Devon river has been such a thrill - it has meant being a part of an amazing chapter in our country's natural history. Surely that must be worth people's vote!"

People can vote in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2017 by going on-line and picking their winners at www.countryfile.com/awards or by filling out a simple form in the February edition of BBC Countryfile Magazine. The poll ends on 28th February 2017.

A mother and kits on the River Otter, East Devon. Photo copyright Mike Symes (All Rights Reserved)

Become part of the century’s most exciting conservation project, says Chris Packham

“The chance to make history” is the way that TV presenter and naturalist Chris Packham is describing a campaign by the Devon Wildlife Trust.

The wildlife charity urgently needs to raise a minimum of £100,000 from a crowdfunding campaign to have a chance of securing the future of England’s only wild population of beavers. The beavers have made their home on the River Otter in East Devon. After being discovered in 2013 the beavers were originally set to be removed by government officials. However, a partnership led by Devon Wildlife Trust and involving local people and local landowner Clinton Devon Estates reversed this decision – but only for a 5 year trial period on a licence granted by Natural England.

This opened the way for Devon Wildlife Trust to launch the River Otter Beaver Trial in 2015, a five-year project which is monitoring the impact of the animals on the local landscapes, communities and wildlife. The Trial involves a lot of wide ranging activities, including:

• monitoring the beavers’ welfare and introducing new animals to the river to
• keep their small community genetically diverse;
• working with local landowners and others to monitor and manage any impacts
• the beavers are having on the local landscape;
• and helping schools and other local communities take part in the exciting
• story unfolding on their doorstep.
• All project outcomes have to be fully supported by independent evidence.

The Trial is scheduled to finish in 2020 when the government will make a decision on the beavers’ future. However, Devon Wildlife Trust has to finance the whole of the project’s costs, which are estimated to be nearly £700,000. The charity receives no state funding for the project and now urgently needs to finance its beaver work.

Thanks to Devon Wildlife Trust’s supporters, to date the charity has raised nearly half of this sum, but it still has a way to go, so the charity has now launched a crowdfunding appeal. Crowdfunding allows the public to back your idea with pledges of money. Backers are then ‘thanked’ with rewards that reflect the money contributed.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Mike Elsey has put the beaver crowdfunding appeal together.

He says:

“Rather than a simple plea for donations, we thought we’d do something different for Devon’s wild beavers. We’re asking people to pledge their support and in return we’re offering a range of very special unique beaver-themed rewards.”

These rewards include some highly unusual items. Among them is the chance to own a ‘beaver chip’ – a nibbled chip of wood actually gnawed by a Devon beaver. Other rewards range from a limited edition signed beaver cushion, designed by renowned artist Hugh Dunford Wood, a bespoke tour of the beavers’ river home in the company of an expert guide, a unique River Otter beaver soft toy, and even a personal appearance by ‘Nora’ the Devon Wildlife Trust’s beaver mascot.

Mike Elsey says:

“The rewards we’re offering are only available to people supporting Devon’s wild beavers. Pledges start at as little as £5, with the beaver chips being offered for those pledging £75.”

“Devon’s wild beavers have attracted so much interest, not just in Devon but across the UK and beyond. This is people’s chance to turn this interest into support. This is their opportunity to become part of this unique wildlife story and ensure that these very special animals remain in the wild at least until 2020.”

There are now thought to be around 20 beavers living on the River Otter. They are the first wild beavers in England for 400 years after the last populations were hunted to extinction. This summer beavers living near the East Devon village of Otterton drew hundreds of visitors all hoping to see a family which had had five kits (baby beavers).

Chris Packham has decided to back the crowdfunding appeal.  The TV presenter and naturalist is fronting a video for Devon Wildlife Trust. In it Chris says: “We have just four years in which to work with local people to prove to the government that beavers are good for the environment and can live in harmony with local people. If we don’t then the beavers will be removed.

“I have to tell you this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to help a magnificent and long lost mammal to thrive again.”

Chris Packham signs off with a direct appeal to the public:

“Please donate today to give Devon’s beavers a chance and to play a role in one of the most exciting conservation projects of the twentieth-first century. You never know it might pave the way for other native species to return to the UK.”

People wishing to support Devon’s wild beavers should visit www.supportdevonbeavers.org 

There you can watch Chris Packham’s video appeal and find out about the range of unique beaver rewards being offered to people who pledge support.

 

An adult beaver swimming in the River Otter. Photo copyright Mike Symes, Devon Wildlife Trust. (All rights reserved)

 

River Otter beaver mother with her kits near Otterton, East Devon. Photo copyright Mike Symes/Devon Wildlife Trust (All rights Reserved)

Devon beaver mascot named as 'Nora'

A competition held by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust to find a name for its beaver mascot has revealed a winner. 'Nora', is the name chosen for the six-foot tall mascot which is being used by the charity to promote its work for England's only breeding population of wild beavers which live on the River Otter, East Devon. The name, which plays on the rodents' habit of gnawing on riverside trees and plants, was the idea of Sidmouth shop owner Karen Greenslade.

Speaking at her Humbug Gifts shop, Karen said:

"I was delighted when I heard that Devon Wildlife Trust had picked Nora as its mascot's name. I'd been 'beavering' away for ages to try and come up with something appropriate! It's good to know that the River Otter beavers are in the safe paws of the Devon Wildlife Trust!"

The name Nora was chosen from more than 60 name suggestions sent in to the wildlife charity. Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said:

"We were delighted by the response we had. People sent in suggestions from as far afield as Canada and the USA. It goes to show that the wild beavers living on the River Otter have quite a following. Several people suggested the name Nora, but Karen was the first to come up with it."

"There is a serious side to the mascot and its naming. Our River Otter Beaver Trial is investigating the impact that England's only breeding population of wild beavers is having on the local landscape, on local farming, on local communities and the local economy. It's a five-year trial which is costing our charity upwards of £500,000 to run. We hope 'Nora' will raise the profile of the project and motivate people to help us."

One local company who has already stepped in to help Devon Wildlife Trust has been Cofton Country Holidays. The South Devon-based company has sponsored Nora.

The mascot will be appearing at Cofton Country Holidays throughout the summer in a series of pond-dipping days run at its holiday destination. Mellony Kirby, Director at Cofton Country Holidays commented:

"Nora's a brilliant name for the River Otter beaver mascot and we just know that kids at Cofton will love meeting her this summer."

"Having a six foot beaver on hand to help with our pond dipping days will certainly leave a lasting memory, and we hope that the experience will encourage our younger visitors to think more deeply about the environment and the richness of wildlife that exists within it, especially here in South Devon." Mellony added:

"As a David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme Gold winner, wildlife and the environment is very important to us. Over the years Devon Wildlife Trust has advised us on our nature trails, which take visitors through parkland and woodland to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. For us the opportunity to help Devon Wildlife Trust raise money for its work through the sponsorship of Nora made great sense, especially given the national importance of the River Otter project, which aims to encourage a wild beaver population on the river."

People wanting to support Devon Wildlife Trust's River Otter Beaver Trial are encouraged to visit the charity's website www.devonwildlifetrust.org/river-otter-beavers where they can see exclusive footage of the beavers taken this spring.

 Nora makes an appearance at a recent Cofton Country Holidays event

Nora with Cofton Country Holidays' Melony Kirby.

Beavers released at secret East Devon location

England's only breeding wild population of beavers has grown thanks to the release of two further animals at a secret location in East Devon. One adult female and one adult male beaver were released on Monday evening on private land close to the River Otter. The release was sanctioned by Natural England and was made by Devon Wildlife Trust as part of the River Otter Beaver Trial - a five year project being led by the charity which is studying the impact of England's only wild beaver population.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Peter Burgess was overseeing the operation and explained why the release of more beavers was made:

"There are already 12 beavers known to be living on the River Otter. Our DNA analysis has shown that these animals are closely related to one another. The genetic diversity of the beavers needed to be increased to ensure that we have a healthy population. So tonight's release was a crucial and exciting next step in the story of reintroducing this keystone species back to the wild, restoring our river catchments. We're very happy with how it went."

Peter continued:

"This pair of beavers may move down river to mix and then breed with the existing population very soon, or they may decide to stay-put, pair up and breed. Then it will be their offspring which mix and mate with the other beavers. Either way the outcome will be the same; the genetic diversity of beavers living wild in East Devon will have been enriched. That is our goal."

The female beaver of the pair was sourced from Devon Wildlife Trust's own captive beaver trial near Okehampton. The three year old was described as being in 'good health and ready to start a new family' by Devon Wildlife Trust. The male is of a similar age and was sourced from a captive breeding programme based in Devon run by renowned beaver expert, Derek Gow.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Peter Burgess said:

"This release site is the best we looked at. It's quiet and undisturbed. The ponds are perfect, while they are just a stone's throw from the river. I want to thank the landowner, a local family who have allowed us to use their land. Without their help this couldn't have happened. We've deliberately not revealed the exact location of the site because we want the beavers to be left undisturbed while they get used to their new surroundings."

Devon Wildlife Trust plans to monitor the progress of the beavers over the coming weeks. Their new home has been equipped with cameras, allowing the charity to get vital insights into beaver behaviour.

Peter Burgess said:

"We will have very privileged access to the secret world of beavers. These are animals that are active only in the evenings, at night and in the early mornings. They are also naturally shy and often difficult to see. The cameras will give us the chance to learn so much about how beavers behave and their impact on the local landscape - this is one of the main objectives of the River Otter Beaver Trial. It will be fascinating to see how this story develops."

People can follow the progress of the beavers and see video footage of their release at the Devon Wildlife Trust website www.devonwildlifetrust.org 

The River Otter Beaver Trial receives no government funding and it is estimated that it will cost the charity more than £500,000 over five years. People can help the project by donating to www.devonwildlifetrust.org/make-a-donation 

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a large herbivore, a mammal that was formerly native to these shores and once played an important part in our landscape from prehistoric times until it was hunted to extinction in the 16th century for its fur, meat and scent glands. The loss of this charismatic species also led to loss of the mosaic of lakes, meres, mires, tarns and boggy places that it so brilliantly built. The beaver is a 'keystone' species and its absence has had a profound impact on the ecology of our rivers. There are few species which have such significant and positive influences on ecosystem health and function. For example, their reintroduction can help with: 

• Alleviation of downstream flooding - the channels, dams and wetland habitats that beavers create hold back water and release it more slowly in periods of heavy rain. 
• Increased water retention - by storing water and greatly enhancing the absorption capacity of the wider landscape, beaver activity also helps to sustain flows during periods of low water. 
• Water purification - beaver-generated landscapes have been linked to the significant amelioration of diffuse pollution from human activities. Beavers have been specifically introduced into some river systems in Europe and North America to combat environmental degradation and pollution. 
• Reduced siltation - dams trap silt, helping to reduce turbidity and sedimentation of water courses, reservoirs and lakes. 
• Ecotourism - where beavers have been reintroduced on mainland Europe, there is substantial evidence of revenue and employment generation from ecotourism. The most appropriate sites for initial reintroduction can often be in more remote areas where alternative forms of livelihood from traditional land uses are in decline. 

Devon Wildlife Trust's Peter Burgess and University of Exeter's Prof Richard Brazier carrying one the female beaver to the secret East Devon release site Photo copyright
Nick Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)

 Female Beaver taking first steps - Photo copyright Nick Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)

 Female Beaver entering the water - Photo copyright Nick Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)

 Female Beaver taking a swim in her new home - Photo copyright Nick Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)

Male Beaver prior to release - Photo copyright Nick Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)

  
People can help the project by donating to www.devonwildlifetrust.org/make-a-donation

The River Otter Beaver Trial The River Otter Beaver Trial is led by Devon Wildlife Trust, working in partnership with the University of Exeter, Clinton Devon Estates and the Derek Gow Consultancy. Expert independent advice is also provided by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (Roisin Campbell-Palmer and Simon Girling), Professor John Gurnell and Gerhard Schwab, an expert on beaver re-introduction based in Bavaria.

Boost for beavers as project receives £150k

A national charity which aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK through its work with arts, environmental and community welfare organisations has given a major boost to one of Devon's most important wildlife projects.

The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust has provided £150,000 of funding to the River Otter Beaver Trial - an East Devon project which is measuring the impact of England's only breeding population of wild beavers. The funding will be used to support the next three years of the project.

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is leading the River Otter Beaver Trial, in a partnership which also includes Clinton Devon Estates, the University of Exeter and the Derek Gow Consultancy. Devon Wildlife Trust's Mark Elliott is the Trial's manager. He said:

"The generous support of The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust is very welcome. It gives this unique and important project a firm footing. The River Otter Beaver Trial is a vital piece of work which aims to objectively understand what impact beavers will have on the local landscape and its wildlife, along with the impacts that are experienced by local farmers and the wider communities that live along the wonderful River Otter." Mark continued:

"Many people may have thought that the main task of the River Otter Beaver Trial ended when Natural England granted its licence in January 2014. However, this just signalled the start of a huge amount of work. The trial involves a great deal of scientific study and working with local communities, as well as animal welfare considerations and practical management. This all costs money. We estimate that the Trial will require around £500,000 during its lifetime to carry out its work. The support of The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust is therefore very good news." The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust (PDHCT) was founded in 1999 by businessman and philanthropist Peter De Haan. Since then it has provided £20million to arts, environment and community welfare projects throughout the UK. Peter De Haan, chairman and founder of the Trust said:

"PDHCT has a long history of supporting Wildlife Trusts in their quest to conserve and restore our national landscape. This innovative attempt to revitalise the beaver population in the River Otter has all the elements of a fantastic conversation project: lively community engagement, rigorous scientific monitoring of its progress, and an experienced team to see it through. We wish the Devon Wildlife Trust (and the beavers) every success!"

Eleven wild beavers are thought to be living on the River Otter. The animals and their signs have been seen regularly over the winter months up and down the River Otter from White Bridge, near Budleigh Salterton in the south, to the upper reaches of the river close to the Devon-Somerset border in the north.

The beavers first hit national headlines in 2013 when they were filmed by an amateur film maker. Since then the animals have proved very popular with local people. A series of guided 'beaver walks' to see field signs of the animals drew more than 300 people last year. The River Otter Beaver Trial plans to repeat the walks this summer. More details will appear at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

European Beaver. Photo copyright Ben Lee (All rights reserved)

ABOUT The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust Founded in 1999. 

The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK through its work with arts, environmental and community welfare organisations. Since then the Trust has donated more than £20 million to organisations working in these areas. Led by businessman and philanthropist Peter De Haan, the Trust operates under a venture philanthropy model, working closely with the organisations it supports financially and organisationally to increase their capacity and impact. Until recently the Trust targeted a significant proportion of its resources towards the youth arts charity IdeasTap, as well as select UK wildlife trusts, and community projects surrounding its South London offices. The Trust will not exist in perpetuity, as the founding Trustees planned for its reserves to be gradually spent over a 20 year period from its date of constitution. The Trust is not open to unsolicited applications.

Fresh evidence of beavers discovered at four sites on East Devon river

Despite recent news headlines that a local beaver population had 'disappeared' from their East Devon home, a local wildlife charity is now claiming that it has evidence that they are very much alive.

In November the BBC reported the concerns of some local people that they had not had sightings of beavers on the River Otter for some weeks. This 'disappearance' was then reported by national newspapers. However, Devon Wildlife Trust has now come forward with evidence which shows that the beavers are still there, although they may have relocated their homes, known as lodges, along the river.

Devon Wildlife Trust is leading the River Otter Beaver Trial - a five year study of what is believed to be the first population of breeding beavers living wild in the English countryside for several centuries. The charity has said that it is currently monitoring four 'active areas' along the river where it has seen fresh evidence of the beavers' presence.

Mark Elliott is the Trial's manager and said:

"We knew the beavers had not 'disappeared' but it's good to be able to report recent evidence showing that they are still active on the river. Beavers are mobile animals and it's quite common for them to shift their lodges and feeding grounds. There's lots of room for beavers on this river so it's unsurprising that they have relocated from the places that we saw them last spring and summer."

The beavers have proved popular with local people and have also attracted many wildlife-lovers to East Devon after the animals gained national coverage when their story was featured on BBC's Springwatch programme. Devon Wildlife Trust's own series of beaver walks along the river were fully subscribed in 2015 and now the charity says it plans to run more next year to meet demand. However, winter is not the time to go beaver watching and any visitors are likely to leave disappointed. 

Mark Elliott explained:

"Beavers are largely nocturnal animals so they are difficult to see during winter when the nights are long. However, they will still be busy at this time building their lodges, preparing for mating in January and the birth of their kits in May. At this time we're keeping the locations of the new beaver sites a secret to ensure that disturbance to the animals and local landowners is kept to a minimum."

In February 2015 it was established that nine beavers were living on the River Otter. In May it is known that a breeding female gave birth to three kits taking the total to 12. This family were seen by many people throughout summer close to their lodge on a stretch of river near Ottery St Mary.

Devon Wildlife Trust is keen to record sightings of beavers to help it with its ongoing work monitoring the impact of the animals on local communities, local landowners and wildlife. Mark Elliott said: "

As we move into the New Year and the daylight hours lengthen beavers will be active at dusk and dawn. If people do see them then it's important they let us know so that we can get a clearer picture of the beavers' numbers and locations."

People with information can let the charity know if they see a beaver via email on beavers@devonwildlifetrust.org and mailto:beavers@devonwildlifetrust.org with details of the date, time, exact location and whether the beaver has a coloured ear tag.

The River Otter Beaver Trial receives no government funding. Devon Wildlife Trust is urging people to offer their support via its website www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devons-wild-beavers-appeal

Recent beaver activity has been found at four places along the River Otter in East Devon. Photo copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

Baby boost for Devon beavers

New film footage proves that England's only wild beaver population is growing. The footage, taken by local film-maker Tom Buckley, shows baby beavers - known as kits - taking their first swimming lessons and being helped through the water by their mother at an undisclosed location on East Devon's River Otter. The births signal the latest chapter in a story which has attracted great support from the local community. Devon Wildlife Trust is leading the River Otter Beaver Trial in partnership with landowner Clinton Devon Estates, the University of Exeter and the Derek Gow Partnership. 

Devon Wildlife Trust's Mark Elliott said: "We are thrilled that the beavers have bred. The baby kits appear fit and healthy and the adults seem as if they are taking their parenting responsibilities very seriously. It tells us that the beavers are very much at home in this corner of Devon. "The slowly expanding population of these wild animals will help us to gain valuable insights into beavers and their environment - both in terms of animal behaviour and any benefits and effects on the surrounding river system." Mark also makes a plea to people who might want to catch a glimpse of the new additions to a local beaver population: "The beavers have proved enormously popular with local people and we understand that many will now want to see the kits for themselves. But like all new parents, the beavers will need a bit space and peace at this time. So we ask that visitors take care not to disturb them. This means remaining on public footpaths, keeping a respectful distance from them, and keeping dogs under close control especially when near the river." 

A population of beavers was first confirmed on the River Otter in February 2014. This was the first time that breeding beavers were known to be living in the English countryside for as much as 400 years. In summer 2014 Defra expressed its intention to remove the animals citing their potential disease risk and their unplanned introduction as reasons. It was at this stage that Devon Wildlife Trust built a partnership of supportive local landowners, academic institutions and beaver veterinary and management experts to offer a different solution, to turn the situation into England's first wild beaver monitoring project. In January 2015, Devon Wildlife Trust received a licence from Natural England allowing the beavers to stay. The licence also signalled the setting-up of the River Otter Beaver Trial - a project which will measure the benefits and impacts of the animals on local landscapes, wildlife, communities and businesses, especially farming.
Natural England's licence stipulated that the beavers had to be health screened. This meant capturing all the adults which were known to be living on the river. The captures were carried out in February this year - the tests found them clear of disease.

Mark Elliott of Devon Wildlife Trust looks ahead to the beavers' prospects: "Beavers give birth to an average of three kits. If both mothers have given birth that could mean that there are now up to 15 beavers on the River Otter. Beavers are relatively slow breeders and it's possible that not all the kits will make it to adulthood. This means the expansion of their numbers during the coming years will be steady rather than rapid. The River Otter certainly has room for a slowly growing population. The kits present us with a unique opportunity to study the development of a beaver population in the English countryside."
 Dr Sam Bridgewater, Nature Conservation Manager for Clinton Devon Estates, commented on the arrival of baby beavers: "The birth of the kits is very exciting as it indicates that beavers can thrive in the lower River Otter. We still have much to learn about the impacts of an expanding beaver population on the Devon landscape. Although we know that beavers can improve the ecological health of rivers, we also know that their damming - particularly in upper catchment areas - and tree-felling behaviour can cause conflict. One of the key objectives of the partnership over the five year trial is to gather evidence to clarify the positive and negative impacts of this species and the management techniques that will likely be required in the future to minimise any detrimental impacts of an increasing population."
Tom Buckley captured the fabulous footage of the beaver and kits. He said: "When I saw these new born baby beavers (kits) I was totally overwhelmed and thought it must be a miracle. My first sighting of this year's new born kits was when I saw their mother swimming with one of them in her mouth to an area nearby where their father was waiting to greet them. One of the kits, however, seemed extremely unhappy to be out in the big wide world and as soon as its mother let it go it rushed back to its burrow. Not surprising really - the world can be a very scary place. This was possibly their first experience of what lies outside of their burrow." The Wildlife Trusts are at the forefront of bringing back beavers to the UK. Read more at http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/beavers

Film of Devon's wild beaver kits taken by Tom Buckley who spent many weeks waiting patiently to capture this footage. These wild kits are a boost to the River Otter Beaver Trial which began in Spring of 2015 led by Devon Wildlife Trust in partnership with landowner Clinton Devon Estates, the University of Exeter and the Derek Gow Partnership.

All footage Copyright Tom Buckley (All Rights Reserved)

Drop-in to discuss next steps for beavers

People are being invited to a public drop-in session in Ottery St Mary to hear what the next steps will be for the town's local wild beavers.  The drop-in is being held on Friday 6 February between 3pm and 7.30pm at The Institute, Ottery St Mary, East Devon. The organisers are keen to stress that everyone is welcome. A small population of beavers is living on the River Otter close to the East Devon town of Ottery St Mary. The animals recently made national news headlines when Natural England decided to grant Devon Wildlife Trust with a licence which would allow the animals to live on the river while the charity monitored their impacts on the local community, landscape and economy. The River Otter Beaver Trial, as it is known, will last for the next five years. Representatives from Natural England will be at the drop-in session to discuss the temporary removal of the beavers which is being planned to ensure that they are healthy. Devon Wildlife Trust staff will also be on hand to discuss how the River Otter Beaver Trial will work over the coming years.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Peter Burgess said: 'It is very good news that we have been granted a licence to release the beavers back on the river once they have been proven to be healthy. Natural England and Devon Wildlife Trust are hosting this meeting to answer any questions the local community may have about the next steps of the project.'
The Institute can be found in Ottery Street, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1HD. Parking at the Institute is very limited, but there are public car parks nearby.
Devon Wildlife Trust

Its official, beavers are back

England's only breeding population of wild beavers look to have a brighter future after an announcement made today. Devon Wildlife Trust is hailing the decision by Natural England to grant the charity a five year licence to monitor the beavers as a key moment in the history of modern conservation. The charity is welcoming the positive news after spending months of hard work trying to secure a long term future for the animals. The beavers, which live on the River Otter in East Devon, were first discovered to be breeding in February 2014. A beaver and kits were filmed on the River Otter in February 2014 by local amateur wildlife cameraman Tom Buckley. The footage was proof of the presence of the first breeding beavers in England for hundreds of years. Anecdotal sightings of beavers and beaver activity point to beavers being present on the river for three years or possibly longer. Defra announced its intention to capture and remove the animals in July citing the risk to human health from a tape-worm that European beavers are known to carry, but which is not currently present in the UK. Defra's decision sparked an overwhelming response from local people, with the vast majority showing their support for the beavers to remain. Devon Wildlife Trust has spent the last six months working with Defra, Natural England, local farmers and the wider community to secure a solution that would see the disease risk addressed and the beavers remain. Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, said: 'We are delighted by Natural England's decision to grant us a licence to give these beavers a long term future on the River Otter. It's the result of a great deal of effort by our charity, supported by partner organisations across the UK and, most importantly, by the local community.' Harry added: 'This is an historic moment. The beavers of the River Otter are the first breeding population in the English countryside for hundreds of years. Estimates of when beavers went extinct in England vary. Recent documentary and archaeological research by Prof Bryony Coles, University of Exeter, suggests that remnant populations of beavers may have survived into the 1700s ('Beavers in the Past', 2006). We believe they can play a positive role in the landscapes of the 21st century through their ability to restore our rivers to their former glories. We know from our own research and research done in Europe that beavers are excellent aquatic-engineers improving the flood and drought resilience of our countryside and increasing the water quality of our rivers. See for example, 'Qualitative and quantitative effects of reintroduced beavers on stream fish', Fish and Fisheries, Volume 13, Issue 2, pages 158-181, June 2012. See also the interim findings of the Scottish Beaver Trial www.scottishbeavers.org.uk/ They are incredibly industrious animals and their hard work has benefits for people and wildlife.' Stephanie Hilborne OBE, Chief Executive of The Wildlife Trusts also welcomed the news: 'It is wonderful to hear that the first breeding population of beavers in England for hundreds of years is going to be allowed to remain in the wild. This is testament to the commitment of all involved, not least Devon Wildlife Trust and Defra. We know that we can't bring back all the great animals that the country's lost - at least not everywhere - but where it is feasible we owe it to future generations to do so. Wildlife Trusts are playing a key role in helping wildlife onto a firmer footing throughout the UK.' Natural England's decision grants the Devon Wildlife Trust a licence to monitor the beavers for the next five years. The charity's River Otter Beaver Trial will work with international experts to record and evaluate the impact of the animals. Peter Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust's Conservation Manager, led the licence application to Natural England. He explained what the project will mean: 'This project will measure the impact that these beavers have on the local environment, on the local economy and on local people. The evidence from elsewhere shows that beavers should have an overwhelmingly positive effect, but this is the first time the animals will be living in a well-populated, agriculturally productive English landscape for hundreds of years. We need to ensure that any negative impacts of beavers are avoided. This will mean working alongside the Environment Agency, local authorities and landowners to manage any problems that may arise over the coming years.' At present Natural England is yet to announce the full details of the licence. Peter added: 'Although we're very pleased to have been granted the licence we will need to consider its terms in full before the project can get under way. It needs to be a licence which will work for us and safeguard the needs of local communities, the economy, landowners and the beavers.' As part of the licence the beavers will be briefly be brought in to captivity in order for health checks to be made. This process will be overseen by Defra with expert advice from leading zoological and beaver experts. At the conclusion of the project in 2020 the River Otter Beaver Trial will present Natural England with its evidence. Using this information a decision will be made on the future of the beavers on the river. Devon Wildlife Trust now faces the task of funding the River Otter Beaver Project. An initial call for donations led to £45,000 being raised in just two months. However the cost of the five year monitoring project is estimated to run well above this figure. The charity is now asking supporters of the beavers to come to its aid and donate via its website www.devonwildlifetrust.org or by phone on 01392 279244.

River Otter Beaver - Photo copyright David Land (All rights reserved)