Beavers in the Wild

Beaver Reintroduction Project

Cornwall Wildlife Trust is leading and coordinating a project to reintroduce wild beavers into the Par and Fowey catchment area. We have identified several suitable release sites across the project area,

Our long-term vision is:

"To achieve a self-sustaining and genetically diverse population of beavers in the project area, so we can collectively feel the benefits from this keystone species being back in the landscape, with landowners and communities supported through the transition to living alongside beavers."

Where are we now?

Over the past year our Beaver Officer has been leading on the wild release licence application process, speaking to local landowners and developing our approach to beaver management.

Although in early 2024 beaver presence was found to be present on our Helman Tor Nature Reserve, which we assume was from an unauthorised release, we are continuing work on our wild release licence application. 

We have established a Beaver Project Steering Group, with local expertise and stakeholders to advise on our project development. Members include Environment Agency, Natural England, Cornwall Council, Westcountry Rivers Trust and South West Water. 

Subject to a successful licence being granted by Natural England, we will work with landowners to manage any impacts and monitor any changes to the landscape.

We have been engaging with stakeholders in the project area, with over 30 meetings and site visits to date.

Engagement is ongoing across the area. If you would like to find out more about living alongside beavers and how the we can help, get in touch with Lauren Jasper, Beaver Officer at lauren.jasper@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk

Public Consultation Events

During December 2024 and January 2025, Cornwall Wildlife Trust is hosting four beaver reintroduction public consultation events across the Par and Fowey catchment area.

We would like to speak with local residents, farmers, business-owners, recreational river users, fishery interests and other groups living or working in the area.

We invite you to join us at the events, where you can speak to the project team to learn more about our project, our proposed management approach and have the opportunity to comment on our plans, which will help inform our licence application to Natural England.

Events will be run as drop-in sessions between 2pm and 6pm:

• Tue 3rd Dec | Gunwen Chapel
• Thu 12th Dec | Lanhydrock Memorial Hall
• Wed 8th Jan | Bugle Village Hall
• Tue 14th Jan | St Neot Village Hall

Representatives from Natural England, Beaver Trust, Environment Agency and Woodland Valley Farm will all be at the events, so you will be able to hear about beaver ecology, beaver management and the wider picture of beavers in the UK.

There is no need to book a ticket, please just turn up at a time that suits. 

Tea, coffee and refreshments provided. 

Click here to view the events

If you are unable to attend the events and would like to share your thoughts, please contact beavers@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk.

Why do we want to bring beavers back to the area?

Beavers are super ecosystem engineers. They create wetlands that can significantly benefit other wildlife, absorb carbon dioxide, reduce flooding and improve water quality. 

We know that our project area is suitable for the reintroduction of beaver, with lots of vegetation and slow flowing water and pools of water.

How could beavers benefit the area?

• Beavers could support biodiversity through their activities creating habitat for local species. For example, beaver could help support the rare Willow Tit and Marsh Fritillary butterfly, both of which are present in the area. 
• Beavers can help with habitat management too, through grazing on vegetation they can help to open up areas and prevent scrub encroachment, which is needed on much of the designated sites across the area. 
• Beavers could help to store more water in the upper reaches of the catchment area, helping with flood alleviation during periods of high rainfall.
• Beavers can also help to increase climate resilience in the area, holding more water during periods of drought and providing a carbon store. 

We would like to see beavers living wild in Cornish rivers again, so that we can collectively enjoy the benefits they bring. 

Potential impacts 

We understand that some local landowners and stakeholder might have concerns about the reintroduction of beavers to the area. 

Through beaver activities, including burrow, damming and grazing, beavers have the potential to cause conflict. We know that in some situations low levels, or no beaver activity, might be able to be tolerated. Therefore, we want to make sure that we speak to everyone who could be potentially impacted by the engagement, identify any risks and work together to develop our Beaver Management Plan, which will form part of out licence application.

As wild beavers are now present in catchment across the UK, more information on the national beaver management approach and living alongside beavers here.

If you have concerns please contact our project team at beavers@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk, 07946 042 756.