A pair of Eurasian beavers introduced to the Old River Bed nature reserve in Shrewsbury in February are settling in well and starting to make an impact on their surroundings.
The reintroduction is part of an experiment aimed at helping naturally manage the wetland area. Tom Freeland, from the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said there was already evidence of the beavers felling and stripping trees and digging new channels.
In the coming months, he expects to see more visible changes as the beavers continue to shape the landscape. The Old River Bed is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Shropshire Council had hoped the beavers could help control the growth of willow scrub, which had been drying out parts of the area.
Mr Freeland noted that the dense summer foliage made it difficult to observe the beavers, but this should improve in autumn and winter. He added that abundant food over the summer meant the beavers had not needed to strip bark from trees extensively.
Cameras installed in the enclosure have captured plenty of evidence of the beavers moving around. “They’ve settled in, they seem to be comfortable, they’ve made themselves a lodge and they’ve started to make an impact,” he said.
Dr Angelika von Heimendahl, Beaver Reintroduction Manager for the Wildlife Trust nationally, said it may take time, but she believes the pair “will change it into a beaver landscape.”
There is no sign yet of the couple having kits, but Mr Freeland observed that they appeared “very happy with each other,” often grooming one another.
The beavers have also received a “really positive reception” from the public, despite being difficult to spot so far.
