Story perspectives

Beavers Return to Somerset: Nature's Engineers Restore Ecosystems

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Half a dozen beavers were released in Somerset to restore rivers and wetlands.
This marks the National Trust's second legal release at Holnicote Estate, after a previous release in Dorset.
Ben Eardley, project manager at Holnicote Estate, described the beavers as "ecosystem engineers" aiding water flow.
Beavers had been extinct in Britain for over 400 years.
Conservationists back the return, despite flooding and crop-damage concerns expressed by a local farmer seeking a long-term strategy.

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Story summary

Half a dozen beavers were released in Somerset to restore rivers and wetlands.
This marks the National Trust's second legal release at Holnicote Estate, after a previous release in Dorset.
Ben Eardley, project manager at Holnicote Estate, described the beavers as "ecosystem engineers" aiding water flow.
Beavers had been extinct in Britain for over 400 years.
Conservationists back the return, despite flooding and crop-damage concerns expressed by a local farmer seeking a long-term strategy.