Beavers had not been in Cornwall for over 400 years but within just two days of their release, they began busily damming the outlet from the existing pond on-site, soon making it wider and deeper. Researchers involved in the project estimate that water now takes an hour to drain through the site when it used to take just 15 minutes- this is significant as Ladock village downstream suffers from flooding so slowing the flow of water upstream could form part of the solution. Next, the beavers dammed the stream in two other places creating two more large ponds; already the local frogs are taking advantage and have laid spawn in places that used to be dry.

Cheryl Marriott, Head of Conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust says,

“I never get tired of showing people around the Cornwall Beaver Project site, seeing the look of amazement on their faces when they see their first-ever beaver dam right here in Cornwall is just brilliant!”

The walks can be booked on the Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s online shop with all the proceeds going back into running the project with Chris Jones at Woodland Valley Farm. The walks are in the early evening before dusk and include a walking tour of the site then a chance to sit and wait to try and see the beavers come out as night falls. Some of the walks are bookable by groups so if you belong to a group that is interested in visiting the site you can have an exclusive visit. Additional child-friendly walks are available during school holidays through Wildlife Watch, the Trust’s junior branch.