Beaver Trust

Founded: 2019

Organisation Type: Nature Restoration Charity

Location: UK

Mission Statement:

To restore beavers to Britain's landscapes, helping to revive ecosystems, combat climate change, and promote coexistence between people and wildlife.

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A symbol of resilience and the power of nature's engineers. © Hans Benn
A symbol of resilience and the power of nature's engineers. © Hans Benn

Beaver Trust

The Beaver Trust is a UK-based charity dedicated to restoring beavers to regenerate landscapes. The Trust provides practical solutions to help people coexist with beavers and supports legislation aimed at rebuilding ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience. Their mission is to reintroduce this keystone species, which was hunted to extinction in Britain 400 years ago, to aid in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. 

What are Beaver Trust currently working on?

Urban Beaver Reintroduction in London: In October 2023, the Trust collaborated with local organizations to reintroduce a family of five Eurasian beavers to Paradise Fields in Ealing, West London. This pioneering project marked the first urban beaver reintroduction in the UK, and by August 2024, the beavers had successfully bred, with at least two kits born—the first in over 400 years in urban London.

River Buffer Restoration through the Riverscapes Partnership: As part of the Riverscapes partnership, the Trust is working to restore buffer zones along riverbanks. The 'Woodlands for Water' project, launched in 2021, aims to create 3,150 hectares of trees across six river catchments in England by 2025, enhancing riparian habitats and promoting biodiversity.

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Meet the Eurasian Beaver, the ultimate ecosystem engineer!  © Michal Ninger
Meet the Eurasian Beaver, the ultimate ecosystem engineer! © Michal Ninger

What are some Beaver Trust Statistics and Achievements?

Beaver Trust has made significant strides in reintroducing beavers to Britain's landscapes, contributing to ecological restoration and biodiversity enhancement. Their efforts have supported the resurgence of beaver populations, leading to the creation of wetlands that provide habitat for various species and improve water quality. For instance, in Devon, beavers have transformed the River Otter's ecosystem, creating wetlands that support diverse wildlife and aid in flood prevention.

Beavers get their iconic orange teeth from Iron-rich enamel. © Steve Raubenstine
Beavers get their iconic orange teeth from Iron-rich enamel. © Steve Raubenstine

Who Founded Beaver Trust?

Beaver Trust was co-founded in 2019 by a group of passionate conservationists, including Chris Jones, a farmer and beaver expert who has been instrumental in demonstrating the benefits of beaver reintroduction on his land in Cornwall.

Alongside him, other key figures with backgrounds in ecology, environmental policy, and wildlife conservation helped establish the trust, aiming to restore beavers to Britain’s landscapes and promote coexistence between people and nature.

Beaver wetlands improve water quality and reduce flooding. © Judith Hasler
Beaver wetlands improve water quality and reduce flooding. © Judith Hasler