Beavers could play a major role in combating flooding and biodiversity loss in the South West, according to findings shared today by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Beaver Trust. The wildlife organisations are calling for carefully considered wild releases of beavers to be taken forward to support wider beaver conservation efforts.

Researchers and wildlife recorders studying the beaver population at Woodland Valley Farm, home of the Cornwall Beaver Project, found the semi-aquatic animals have slowed river flow, created habitat for other native species and attracted thousands of visitors to the site through educational activities.

New beaver-created wetlands and ponds have led to a significant improvement in biodiversity. Thirteen species of bird and mammal that were previously absent from the site have now been recorded. This includes the willow tit, the UK’s most threatened resident bird having declined 94% since the 1970s, and the pole cat, a species once on the brink of extinction in Britain during the early 20^th century.

Cheryl Marriott, Head of Conservation at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: “After five years of habitat engineering by the beavers, the landscape at Woodland Valley Farm is now completely unrecognisable from its initial state. They’ve breathed new life into this habitat and their natural dam-building behaviour has delivered lots of benefits for both wildlife and people.

“It’s amazing what can happen when you let nature look after itself, without the need for humans to manage it. With the ever more extreme weather events that we’re getting, beavers give us hope that our streams and all the wildlife that relies on them can adapt to the changes. We must use their natural ‘superpowers’ in the sustainable, long-term restoration of our wetlands.”

The beavers’ activities have also had a positive influence on the local area.

University of Exeter scientists on the project team have recorded dramatic changes in water flow, thanks to the site’s dams and seven large ponds. The dams hold water in dry periods, helping to cut drought and subsequent flash flooding, reduce erosion and improve water quality.

The Cornwall Beaver Project is situated upstream of Ladock – a village affected by flooding. Thanks to the work of these ‘ecosystem engineers’, water now takes over an hour to travel through the site, compared to just 15 minutes prior to the beavers’ arrival.

Dr Alan Puttock, a researcher at the University of Exeter, said: “The results from Woodland Valley Farm have helped to show that beavers could play a role in delivering natural flood management. Following beaver introduction, peak flows after heavy rainfall events have been reduced by up to 33%.”

After being hunted to extinction in Britain 400 years ago, beavers were first reintroduced in the early 2000s. The Cornwall Beaver Project then brought beavers back to the Duchy in June 2017 following a successful crowdfunding campaign.

One male and one female, named Chewy and Willow by a public vote, were released into the five-acre enclosure on the farm. Less than a year later, two beaver kits were born – a strong signal the adults had settled into their new home.

In addition to delivering significant environmental benefits, the beavers have become a source of hope and optimism for numerous visitors. Around 5,000 members of the public have visited the site since 2017, whilst millions have been exposed to the project on mainstream television programmes such as BBC’s Springwatch.

A new wheelchair-friendly boardwalk has also made viewing the beavers more accessible, thanks to funding and support from Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Natural England’s G7 Legacy Project for Nature Recovery.

Chris Jones, owner of Woodland Valley Farm and Communities Director at Beaver Trust, said: “As the project concludes five years of fascination and study, we’re delighted to be able to offer improved accessibility to these wetlands, sharing this place with a whole new audience who can come and see for themselves how the beavers have transformed the stream here. At The Cornwall Beaver Project, that’s what it’s all about – helping people to nurture a connection with these amazing animals that do so much good for our environment.

“It’s also a crucial time to share the findings from The Cornwall Beaver Project as we anticipate the release of a national, long-term beaver strategy and management framework for wild beaver releases. We know we need to do more to tackle the nature and climate crisis, and welcoming beavers back to our countryside will certainly help us do this. And we need to ensure measures are in place to manage the species as its population expands.”

Beavers are considered a ‘keystone species’, which means they have a highly positive impact on their environment. The animals have a unique ability to restore and maintain important wetland habitats, which are crucial for supporting other wildlife and helping to tackle climate change.

There are now five beaver enclosures located across Cornwall. Cornwall Wildlife Trust are looking at the possibility of reintroducing more beavers into the wild landscape, including at its Helman Tor nature reserve near Bodmin.

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