Dorset Wildlife Trust has launched an ambitious fundraising appeal to help return free‑living beavers to more parts of Dorset for the first time in centuries. The Bring Beavers Back appeal will support a proposed new licensed release project that aims to re‑establish these remarkable animals across the county’s landscape. Through The Big Give – an annual match‑funding campaign that brings together charities, philanthropists and partners to double the value of every donation, making double the difference. Every gift made during the appeal will be matched, giving supporters the chance to make an even greater impact for nature.
Five years ago, Dorset Wildlife Trust introduced beavers to an enclosed site in west Dorset. Since then, these extraordinary ‘ecosystem engineers’ have transformed a once‑narrow stream into a thriving wetland teeming with wildlife. Independent research by the University of Exeter, Wessex Water and other partners has shown that beavers create complex habitats and boost biodiversity, with dragonflies, amphibians, bats and kingfishers all flourishing as a result. Their dams gently slow water flow, helping landscapes become more resilient to both drought and flooding.
With the UK Government now committed to restoring beavers to the wild, Dorset Wildlife Trust is exploring opportunities for a catchment‑scale release project that would establish a healthy, thriving, genetically diverse and viable beaver population capable of revitalising wetlands across the county. A public consultation is underway, with the Trust sharing evidence, answering questions and listening to local views through meetings, workshops, site visits and a public survey.
Steve Oliver, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Rivers Conservation Officer, said:
“Beavers have already transformed our enclosed site, creating a vibrant wetland that supports an extraordinary range of wildlife. Now we have a rare opportunity to bring these benefits to the wider Dorset landscape. With match funding available during Big Give Week, every donation will be doubled, helping us take a major step towards a future where beavers once again shape our rivers and strengthen our resilience to climate change.”
Match funding ends at noon on Wednesday 29 April. Visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/BringBeaversBack to donate.
