Virtual visits
Wherever you are, we'll bring you back to nature, beauty and history with a virtual visit.
Virtual tour of Holnicote beaver enclosure
Embark on a Wild Quest by exploring like a beaver in a lively wetland world. Join us for a playful, nature filled adventure on the Holnicote Estate, Somerset.
This spring, the wild is calling. We're teaming up with Disney and Pixar for the release of animated beaver adventure “Hoppers”, in cinemas 6 March.
In Wild Quest, you’ll step into a virtual experience and search for animated Wild Quest characters inspired by real-life wetland wildlife found across the National Trust Holnicote Estate.
The Holnicote beaver enclosure is home to two adult beavers. They’ve been hard at work since their release in 2020 and have transformed the area into a thriving wetland ecosystem.
Hop into Wild Quest
Ready to explore? Hidden throughout this lively landscape, you’ll find 10 animated National Trust Wild Quest wildlife characters. Each one is based on a real species that depends on beaver habitats. Your challenge is to find them all.
There’s multiple levels and difficulty settings, making it perfect for explorers of all ages. Need a closer look? Use the binoculars to zoom in and reveal extra details. When you spot a character, you’ll learn more about them and their unique roles in wetlands.
Why have beavers been reintroduced at Holnicote?
In January 2020, an adult pair of Eurasian beavers (Yogi and Grills) were released at the Holnicote Estate in Somerset to improve flood management and support the health of rivers and streams. They are helping to restore biodiversity loss, slow the flow of water and manage the effects of climate change.
In 2021, the pair had their first kit Rashford, the first beaver to be born in Exmoor for 400 years. In spring 2022, twins Russo and Toone were born. All three kits were named (with help from the public) after England football stars.
The team at Holnicote are closely monitoring how the beavers change the environment around them by creating dams and deep pools of water. This mosaic habitat has created homes for lots of other wildlife, including amphibians, bats, otters and birds (kingfisher, dipper and waterfowl).
You might also be interested in
Everyone Needs Nature Appeal
You can help protect and restore the precious habitats and species that are in decline due to the effects of climate change. Donate to the Everyone Needs Nature Appeal today and encourage nature to flourish.
Our guide to beavers
Did you know that beavers are helping us adapt to tackle climate change? Discover facts about these fascinating creatures.
Riverlands: how we keep our rivers flowing
Find out more about the National Trust's ambitious Riverlands project that aims to bring the UK's rivers, streams, brooks and becks back to life.
Discover more with the National Trust Podcast
Meet the new beaver kits who are helping to prevent flooding at Holnicote Estate, Somerset, in our podcast episode 'Dam engineers (revisited for Christmas)'. You can also find more episodes from series seven, filled with nature and history.
