Welsh Beaver Project

Beaver in the river nibbling on a stick

David Parkyn

We're bringing beavers back to Wales!

Beavers are herbivores - they don't eat fish!!
Beaver dams and habitats can reduce flood risk
Beavers create wetland habitats that help wildlife
Beavers help people by improving water quality

Beavers in Wales

The Welsh Beaver Project has been investigating the feasibility of bringing wild beavers back to Wales since 2005. This work is being led by North Wales Wildlife Trust on behalf of all five Wildlife Trusts in Wales as part of our Living Landscapes strategy and we now hope to undertake a managed reintroduction to Wales.

Why are beavers important?

Beavers were once widespread across the Wales, but due to over hunting by humans for their fur, meat and scent glands they became extinct after the Middle Ages in Wales and by the end of the 16th Century they were extinct from the rest of Britain.

Beavers are very special animals because they play a vital role in enriching biodiversity by restoring and managing river and wetland ecosystems. They are known as a ‘keystone species’ because their activities can benefit a wide range of other animals and plants that live in rivers and wetlands.

Beavers are known as nature's engineers. They make changes to their habitats which create diverse wetlands for other species to thrive.
Split level view of the River Itchen, with aquatic plants: Blunt-fruited Water-starwort (Callitriche obtusangula) Itchen Stoke Mill is visible on the left

River by Linda Pitkin/2020VISION

Its natural beauty and the flat, easy terrain of the towpath makes The Monty popular amongst walkers and cyclists; these activities are very low impact

Credit - Flying Film Lab ©

Beavers in Wales, what do YOU think?

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Couple walking down path through woodland

Ben Hall/2020VISION

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The Wildlife Trusts play a very important part in protecting our natural heritage. I would encourage anyone who cares about wildlife to join them.
Sir David Attenborough