But what is so special about beavers? Beavers are ‘ecosystem engineers’ which means they have the ability to shape and change their environment. Their behaviour and feeding alters their waterside habitat,  creating new habitats for a wife range of different species. Plant diversity can increase by up to 33% in areas with beavers. It is a common misconception that beavers eat fish but in reality they are completely vegetarian, eating aquatic plants, grasses, leaves, twigs and bark. They can also slow the flow of water, reducing the risk of floods and droughts whilst also improving the water quality and absorbing carbon. For this reason, we are very excited about our new beavery neighbours!

Since this unexpected discovery in 2020, Avon Wildlife Trust have been working as part of the Beaver Management Group. This is a group of organisations across the region looking to support and keep track the beavers as they once again re-establish themselves. Three years on and the beavers are starting to spread out across Avon and look for new homes along our riverbanks. You might remember a beaver showing up in Bristol earlier in April. Now that they have started to branch out  its more important than ever that we are able support, protect and share what we’re learning about these wonderful, wild engineers as they settle into their new homes along the Avon.

Our priority at Avon Wildlife Trust is to map the beaver’s progress and identify potential areas of conflict in advance whilst also reaching out to communities to share what we have learned about our new arrivals. A big thank you to all the beaver believers out there who have already supported our work through attending our events, buying a copy of River Journey by Bevis Watts or donated. Our recently launched beaver appeal will help us continue this work.

Beavers are nocturnal which makes seeing them quite tricky. Its best to try and go out looking for them either at dawn or dusk when they tend to be most active. However if you want to go looking for beavers this summer, be sure to follow the beaver code, a set of guidelines on how best to safely observe beavers.

• Stay alert. Beavers are quite easy to see if you spend time in the right areas. Mostly nocturnal, during the summer they can be seen in daylight hours
   
• Leave your dog at home: Beavers have an excellent sense of smell and can perceive dogs as a threat
   
• If you take your dog, keep it under control and on a lead, especially in the breeding season of May – July
   
• Respect any landowners and other river users
   
• Keep your distance and if there are designated paths, stay on them

To find out more about beavers and how you can help, follow the link to our website below! 

Help beavers branch out along the Avon!