AssetID: 55584927
Headline: Beavers 'transform' Dorset forest into wetland in just one year
Caption: BY MARK WORGAN One year on from beavers’ release into the wild at Studland in Dorset, their activity has transformed the landscape – turning what was once dense woodland into a flourishing wetland habitat. The animals were among two pairs released by the National Trust into Little Sea in March 2025, under what was described as the first licence of its kind issued by Natural England. The Trust has since expanded its reintroduction efforts, releasing several more beavers on the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor after being granted a further licence. Hunted to extinction in mainland Britain in the 16th Century, beavers are now being reintroduced as part of wider efforts to restore ecosystems. Since their release, the Studland beavers have ranged widely in search of a suitable territory. In the early months, they explored several locations that proved unsuitable. At one point, the female swam out to sea and reached the nearby town of Swanage before being returned to Little Sea for welfare reasons. The pair have now settled, constructing a 35-metre dam where the ecological impact of their activity is already evident. The structure has slowed the flow of a small stream, creating a deep pond. By felling and coppicing trees, the beavers have opened up the canopy, allowing more light to reach the ground and creating habitat for a range of species. Trail cameras have captured an otter fishing in the pond and a barn owl hunting nearby, while volunteers have reported sightings of birds including redpoll and water rail. Gen Crisford, the National Trust’s Wetlands Project Officer, said: “The effect on the ecosystem in a relatively short time is astonishing. From dense tangled woodland, the beavers have created a light and airy wetland teeming with life above and below the water. We can’t wait to see what wildlife appears this spring and summer – from dragonflies, diving beetles and butterflies to frogs and newts – and of course, all the animals that feed off them. “It’s important to remember that the trees the beavers fell don’t die – they quickly sprout new shoots. In fact, regular coppicing like this is essential for keeping the woodland healthy. Not only have the beavers breathed new life into the landscape, but there are also indications that by slowing the flow of the stream, they are helping prevent the nearby road from flooding in heavy rain.” Recent trail camera footage has also captured the pair mating, raising hopes that kits could be born later this summer. Gen Crisford added: “It’s very rare to capture footage of beavers mating, so it has generated lots of interest. But the important thing for us was that it’s a clear sign they’ve settled well into their new home. Our monitoring programme, using dedicated volunteers and trail cameras, keeps us informed about the health and wellbeing of the beavers.” The newly released animals joined another pair already living at the lake, which had arrived by unknown means before the official licence was granted. That pair has since raised three kits and built two large lodges on either side of the 33-hectare site. Beavers are known for their dam-building behaviour, which can play a significant role in improving climate resilience. By slowing water flow and creating wetlands, they help retain water during periods of both flooding and drought. Their dams can also filter sediment, improving water quality downstream. Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation at the National Trust, said: “The transformation already underway is remarkable and demonstrates the vital role nature can play in addressing the environmental pressures we face. “This reintroduction demonstrates how positive political action can result in tangible ecological recovery in a really short space of time. “Replicating nature-based solutions like these is essential if Government is to meet its promise of making 30% of land good for nature by 2030.” A further wild release of beavers is planned for the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve later this autumn, although the exact location has yet to be confirmed.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,beavers,national trust,rewilding
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