Story perspectives

Eurasian Beavers Reintroduced in England After 400 Years

4/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Trust's wetlands project officer reports ecological benefits from reintroducing four Eurasian beavers in England, after 400 years.
The project was initiated by the National Trust, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and Natural England.
Two pairs were relocated from Scotland to a freshwater lake in Dorset's Purbeck Heaths nature reserve.
The project plans to release 10–25 adult beavers with the next release in autumn 2026.

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Story summary

The National Trust's wetlands project officer reports ecological benefits from reintroducing four Eurasian beavers in England, after 400 years.
The project was initiated by the National Trust, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and Natural England.
Two pairs were relocated from Scotland to a freshwater lake in Dorset's Purbeck Heaths nature reserve.
The project plans to release 10–25 adult beavers with the next release in autumn 2026.