Bringing beavers back to Wales

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a large, semi-aquatic rodent with dark brown or black fur, a paddle-shaped tail and characteristic orange front teeth. They live in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes or ponds and they feed on a wide range of vegetation, including bark from willow and birch trees.  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. 

For the latest news, and full information about beavers in Wales, including FREE ‘Beavers in Wales’ learning resources for primary schools, FREE citizen science toolkits, and results of a public survey conducted by University of Exeter:

Visit the Welsh Beaver Project here

To report a beaver sighting or field signs
Contact beaver.afanc@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01248 351541

To find information for landowners, visit beavermanagement.org

Welsh Beaver Project is led by North Wales Wildlife Trust on behalf of all five Wildlife Trusts in Wales.