For the first time in over 400 years, beavers have constructed a dam in the UK on the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor, which has resulted in almost instant wildlife benefits.
Beavers were re-introduced to the estate and another site near the South Downes by the National Trust, which wanted to bring the species back to the UK as a natural flood management strategy and a way of enhancing biodiversity. Beavers officially became extinct in the 16th Century in the UK due to unsustainable hunting resulting from demand in their fur and meat. However, thanks to efforts by the National Trust, beavers are once more present in the UK.
And it would seem that they've settled in nicely! Wildlife camera footage has shown the beavers happily gnawing at trees and collecting vegetation to build their dam, which is now holding back water and has created a wetland. It will also work as a natural flood defence.
Ben Eardley, project manager for the National Trust, said: "It might look modest, but this beaver dam is incredibly special - it's the first to appear on Exmoor for almost half a millennium and marks a step change in how we manage the landscape. What's amazing is that it's only been here a few weeks but has created an instant wetland.
"We've already spotted kingfishers at the site, and over time, as the beavers extend their network of dams and pools, we should see increased opportunities for other wildlife, including amphibians, insects, bats and birds."
