A True Ecosystem Engineer
The European Nature Trust is dedicated to the reintroduction of beavers to Britain. The Eurasian beaver once ranged throughout Britain’s waterways, but were hunted to extinction by the late 1700s. The health of our rivers has suffered with their loss: According to the Water Framework Directive, just 14 per cent of rivers in England are in ‘Good’ ecological health.
Beavers are ecosystem engineers. By building dams and felling trees, beavers create diverse wetland habitats that benefit biodiversity. They are also ‘climate allies’, increasing the amount of dissolved organic carbon in water systems. They have a rightful place on our rivers, and their reintroduction is a crucial part of the broader movement to restore the UK’s aquatic ecosystems.
We Support The National Movement To
Reintroduce Beavers
The European Nature Trust has a long term partnership with Beaver Trust, an organisation working on the nationwide reintroduction and management strategy of the species. Beaver Trust works with Five Sisters Zoo to quarantine beavers through their mitigation scheme, relocating individuals or families of beavers from where there is conflict with land use, to locations where beavers will have a positive impact. Beaver Trust also facilitates landowners and communities to initiate their own beaver reintroduction projects.
The European Nature Trust is committed to increasing the awareness of beaver benefits by funding documentary films, education and outreach campaigns.
Beaver Trust’s Achievements
Over 250 Eurasian beavers translocated to restoration projects across Britain since 2019
Over 200 delegates attended Britain’s first Beaver Conference in 2024
First beaver kits born in the wild for over 400 years in the Cairngorms National Park in 2024
“Beaver Trust is delighted to have the support of the European Nature Trust, it has enabled some award-winning communications projects for us as we nurture the return of this key species to Britain”
Eva Bishop
Communications Director, Beaver Trust
Play Your Role In Beaver Reintroduction:
TENT invites you to share this page, support efforts to reintroduce beavers and restore the UK’s watercourses. Engage with ecological restoration and become an ambassador for the UK’s beavers.
