Recent evidence indicates that beavers are now living on the River Stour in Dorset. Beaver feeding signs have been discovered in several areas along the Stour and are a clear sign that beavers are present along the river, but in unknown numbers and distribution.
One discovery by a member of the public came from the banks of the River Stour near Gillingham. The interesting find was on a section of riverbank where Gillingham Action for Nature Group (GANG) had previously participated in some tree planting. One of the trees, planted around 13 years ago, was discovered felled and Dorset Wildlife Trust were called to verify the field sign and confirmed it was the work of a beaver.
Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) are making a comeback in the UK. In October 2022 they were officially recognised as a resident native species in England once again and afforded European protective status having previously been hunted to extinction over 400 years ago.
The origin of the beavers in the Dorset Stour is unknown, although there are beavers living in neighbouring river catchments to the north in Somerset and animals could have made their way through the landscape.
Bob Messer, Co-ordinator of GANG said:
“It’s very exciting to find one of the forty native black poplar we planted in 2011 felled by a beaver and to see other beaver signs in our local nature reserve managed by GANG. Beavers are the original coppicers who promote much needed diversity amongst tree growth and its great encouragement for our conservation work. We have had talks about the positive effects of beavers on wildlife from research on the River Otter catchment in Devon. We can now dream of the same effects here in North Dorset.”
Beavers are highly influential, semi-aquatic rodents and are regarded as a keystone species, whose natural habits can benefit other species of wildlife. They are strict herbivores and feed on aquatic plants within the river channel as well as trees at certain times of the year. They use woody material to build dams.
The return of this species can have multiple benefits, not just for other wildlife living in the freshwater habitats where beavers are active. Living in a human-modified landscape, however, does present challenges to both beavers and humans as we all learn to coexist once again. To support communities living alongside beavers, the Dorset Catchment Partnership has set up a Beaver Management Group to maximize the benefits of beavers returning, whilst helping to reduce conflict or any potential negative impacts. Similar support groups have been set up in other parts of south-west England where beavers are recolonising, and the Dorset group is in close contact to learn from their experiences. The Group enables a coordinated approach to providing information and advice to communities where beavers are present, with licensed practitioners helping landowners and communities access the support they need quickly. Dorset Wildlife Trust is the first point of contact for information on beavers in Dorset, but the Beaver Management Group also includes specialists from National Trust, Natural England, Environment Agency and National Farmers Union amongst others who may be called on for support.
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Rivers Conservation Officer, Steve Oliver said:
“We should have all grown up alongside beavers, but sadly we haven’t. Beaver Management Groups provide important initial support to communities who are learning to live alongside beavers once again.”
The group will hold several drop-in sessions in the area in the coming months so that members of the public can come along and learn about beavers, the local management group and discuss how local communities would like to be engaged in the future.
The drop-in session dates are as follows:
Wednesday 7 August 3pm – 8pm National Trust Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster.
To find out more about the Dorset Beaver Management Group, please visit: dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/dorset-beaver-management-group
Top Photo: Eurasian beaver. Credit James Burland DWT
