Beavers have moved into a new home at the Avalon Marshes

Avalon Marshes, part of the Somerset Wetlands ‘super’ National Nature Reserve, is now home to at least two beavers, confirms Natural England.

While beavers have been in the wider river catchment for some time, this is the first time they have been known to have moved into the nature reserves of the Avalon Marshes.

Natural England has previously monitored beaver activity on the River Avon catchment (Wild beaver population assessment on the River Avon and tributaries – NECR470) and it appears likely that the beavers have migrated to Avalon Marshes naturally from the surrounding areas of the River Brue.

Signs of beaver activity appeared over the Christmas period, with gnawed tree trunks and chewed branches having been spotted by a member of the public and shared with reserve staff.

Currently it is unclear how many beavers have moved into the area but staff from Natural England and local partners will be monitoring the animal’s activity and impact closely, with any mitigation to address potential effects undertaken if necessary.

The wetland nature reserve provides the ideal habitat for beaver, with lots of watery pools and lush vegetation for them to find food and make their homes.

Known as nature’s ecosystem engineers, beavers help restore wetland areas by creating new niches for other wildlife to thrive in and reduce flood risk for downstream communities. However, there is little need for them to build dams at their new site as there is already so much watery habitat available for them.

Members of the public are being asked not to go out looking for the beavers, so they are not disturbed. Beavers are protected by law in England, so it is illegal to disturb, harm or kill them as they are officially accepted as native wildlife.

Claire Newill from Natural England said: “We are pleased to witness the first wild beaver activity in the Avalon Marshes for hundreds of years. There are currently no issues about them being here and we will be monitoring their activity. We ask that people do not seek out their location or wander off the reserves main footpaths to find signs of their activity and take photos, as this may well disturb them. We appreciate everybody’s understanding and help with this”

For more information about beavers and the regulations protecting them please visit Protection and management of beavers in England – GOV.UK

If you have any other queries about beavers in the landscape you can also contact WessexAreaTeam@naturalengland.org.uk