Beavers Return to the UK

Beavers Return to the UK

Beavers have made a remarkable comeback in the rivers of the UK after being absent for 400 years. Since 2009, Scotland has successfully reintroduced over 2,000 beavers into the wild. In England, however, beavers were only permitted to be released in enclosed areas until they were officially recognized as a native species in 2022.

In an exciting development, the UK government has announced that beavers will be released into the wild starting in 2025. So, 2026 is set to be the year of the beaver, with over 100 beavers planned to be released across England throughout the year. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for them during your next riverside stroll!

Beaver Watching Activities

If you want a chance to spot these primarily nocturnal creatures, your best bet is to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon when they are most active. Look out for dams, gnawed trees, piles of debris, and muddy paths leading to the water's edge.

Beavers are considered a keystone species, meaning they have a significant impact on the landscape despite their relatively small numbers. Kevin Cumming, Director of Rewilding Britain, shares, “Beavers are natural ecosystem engineers; they build dams, create wetlands, hold back water, and slow down river flow.”

Top Spots for Beaver Watching

Beavers can be found in many locations across England, from enclosed areas to places where they have been released prior to the 2025 decision. Here are some of the best places to catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures.

River Otter, Devon

Despite its name, the River Otter in Devon is a great spot for viewing beavers, easily accessible via public pathways. In 2015, five wild beavers mysteriously appeared on this river after the reintroduction efforts in England and Wales had stalled.

Local authorities believe they were intentionally released here in a process known as “Beaver Bombing.” The UK government decided to let them stay, with plans to monitor them for five years. By 2020, it was announced that the beavers could remain in their new home.

Knapdale Forest, Scotland

In 2009, the Scottish Beaver Trial successfully brought beavers back to Knapdale Forest, where they quickly made their mark on the landscape after 400 years of absence. The largest dams built during the 18-month trial measured 18 meters long and 1.6 meters high.

By 2020, all trial sites were home to beavers, with some families migrating to nearby waterways. Knapdale Forest has proven that beavers can thrive safely and happily in the wilds of Scotland.

Ham Fen, Kent

Ham Fen has been home to beavers since 2003, when two families were relocated from Norway by the Kent Wildlife Trust. The aim was to utilize beavers as natural ecosystem engineers to restore wetland areas.

Visitors can see the impact of these beavers, such as tree trimming and the construction of dams and ponds. To have a chance to meet the beavers at Ham Fen, you’ll need to book a guided walk with the Kent Wildlife Trust, which takes place twice a month from May to July.

Argaty, Scotland

At this cattle farm in the Scottish Highlands, efforts are focused on enhancing biodiversity, not just for profit. The farm has reintroduced beavers to the area, boosting biodiversity and creating habitats for various plant and animal species.

Over 20 beavers have been released here, in collaboration with Nature Scot and Five Sisters Zoo, which relocated a family of beavers from a conflict area. Argaty Red Kites offers combined tours so visitors can observe these incredible engineers in their natural habitat.

Woodland Valley Farm, Truro

At Woodland Valley Farm near Ladock in Truro, beavers were released into an enclosed area on the Nankilly River in 2017. A male and female pair set to work building a dam and a water channel for the farm’s pond.

Since their return, the beavers have created three new ponds and three new streams, significantly increasing water retention by nearly 2,000 square meters. Over 4,000 visitors have come to this site, providing economic benefits to the wider area.