Following a feasibility study and a licence from Natural England, the National Trust introduced beavers to the Holnicote Estate in 2020, as part of their Riverlands project. The adults were held in two large fenced enclosures within the River Aller catchment, where they bred successfully. Beavers are called ‘ecosystem engineers’, and they were introduced to increase biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce flood risk to properties downstream.
The animals transformed the wet woodland within the enclosures, creating deep pools, woody dams, and opening up the tree canopy. The impact on biodiversity was dramatic, with an increase in invertebrates, especially dragonflies, and a range of bird species, including kingfishers. Otters already thrive throughout the estate, but, interestingly, when they found their way into the enclosure, they were quickly chased out by the beavers.
Earlier in February, Natural England gave consent for the release of beavers at two sites in the South West; at the Par and Fowey catchments in Cornwall, and here at the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor. The existing beaver groups will remain in the enclosures for the time being, but a new family group will be translocated from Scotland and released in the catchment without any enclosures. Once the new group has become established, then the enclosed animals will be released to help minimise the possibility of inbreeding.
The programme includes measures to manage potential conflicts with agriculture and infrastructure, ensuring that beaver dams do not negatively affect land usage. The National Trust team have mapped the complete catchment system within the estate, zoning stretches of river where the beavers may or may not build dams. The beaver behaviour will be closely monitored by the Trust’s Rangers and volunteers so that any dams created in unacceptable sites, such as within the built environment, can be quickly dismantled.
We are delighted that the National Trust are joining us at The Exmoor Society’s Big Nature Day at Nettlecombe Court on Sunday 31st May, where the project’s lead Ranger will give a talk about what the beavers are up to.
Further information can be found on the National Trust website below, including an interactive 360-degree tour of the beaver enclosure.
