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Project

Beavers at Little Sea, Studland

A Eurasian beaver perched by the water and eating
A Eurasian beaver perched by the water | © National Trust Images / Nick Upton

For several years, we have been working on a project to reintroduce Eurasian beavers at Little Sea in Studland, Dorset. Although beavers appeared in the lake in early 2024, whether by natural dispersal or an illegal release, we are still working to gain a government licence to release more and establish a viable population. Beaver activity can increase biodiversity by providing habitats for a wide range of species including fish, amphibians, mammals, water-loving plants and insects.

Why restore beavers to Purbeck?

Previously beavers were an important part of the natural ecosystem but became extinct across the UK in the 16th century due to hunting for their fur, meat and scent glands. Restoring lost species to our landscapes is an important part of our work to reverse the declines in nature.

Although beavers have already appeared at Little Sea (see 2024 updates below), we are now working with Natural England and Defra to obtain a licence for a 'wild' or unenclosed release so we can ensure a viable population. Beavers have been released at other sites in the UK but within enclosures.

The habitat beavers need

Beavers need areas of deep, still or slow flowing fresh water to feel safe. Although Little Sea originated as a landlocked body of seawater, it has been replenished by fresh water draining off the heathland and is now classed as fresh water. Surrounded by dense woodland, it is thought to be a highly suitable habitat for beavers.

How beavers will benefit Little Sea and beyond

Beavers create their own wetlands and bring wildlife back to the landscape as they do so. There is evidence that a range of species (aquatic plants, amphibians, aquatic invertebrates) hugely benefit when beavers are present in a landscape.

Little Sea is surrounded by a dense wet woodland of willow. As the beavers fell trees, they will create glades and open patches. This allows light to penetrate the canopy, attracting myriad wildlife such as dragonflies, bees, butterflies, birds and wildflowers. New saplings will quickly grow again, creating a much more dynamic woodland with trees of all ages.

If the beaver introductions at Little Sea are successful, the aim is that they will eventually spread onto the Purbeck Heaths. They will create beaver wetlands that help retain and purify water resources and slow the flow in our rivers, reducing the risk of flooding and drought. These wetlands are also one of the best ways to capture carbon.

A carefully managed approach

Across the UK beavers are gradually being brought back into the countryside as part of a managed approach. Beavers have been successfully reintroduced at several National Trust sites in recent years, including Holnicote in Somerset where several kits have been born.

For more information on the Purbeck Beaver Project or about how to get involved, please email Gen Crisford at gen.crisford@nationaltrust.org.uk

Follow our project updates here

September 2024

Beavers across Dorset

Due to the spread of beavers across the county, the Dorset Beaver Management Group has been set up. This is a group of trained and licenced beaver managers, which is working closely with other organisations in South-West England where beavers are recolonising.

Our remit is support communities – whether landowners, farmers or residents – while we all learn to live alongside beavers once more. The group means we can have a coordinated approach to providing information and guidance, and helping when people have concerns.

As well as the National Trust, the Beaver Management Group includes specialists from Dorset Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Environment Agency, National Farmers Union, the Beaver Trust, Dorset and BCP Councils, the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group South West, the Wild Trout Trust, the Forestry Commission, Wessex Water and South West Water.

Find out more about the Dorset Beaver Management Group here

Building a viable population

It is still our aim to gain a government licence for a legal unenclosed release of additional beavers into Little Sea, which would help build a viable population. The long-term vision is that beavers will gradually colonise the waterways across the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve.

 

A view of visitors walking along Knoll Beach from the dunes at Studland Bay, Dorset

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