Menu Search Main navigation Auxiliary menu Home You are here: Home What we do Wildlife Conservation Dorset Beaver Project Dorset Beaver Project Share FACEBOOK TWITTER EMAIL WHATSAPP Beavers are back in Dorset Beavers are herbivores - they don't eat fish! Beavers create wetland habitats that help wildlife Beavers help people by improving water quality Beaver dams and habitats can reduce flood risk Two beavers released onto an enclosed site in Dorset Following years of preparation for their arrival, a pair of beavers (an adult male and female) were released into an enclosed site in west Dorset on 8 February 2021, having been relocated from Scotland under licence from NatureScot. The pair have settled well into their new home and it is a privilege to be able to study one of nature’s great engineering species, right here in our county. Watch footage of the moment the male beaver was released into the enclosed site. © Dorset Wildlife Trust/James Burland Why beavers are important for Dorset Beavers are often referred to as 'ecosystem engineers'. They make changes to their habitats, such as digging canal systems, damming water courses, and coppicing tree and shrub species, which create diverse wetlands that benefit both people and wildlife. They help to reduce downstream flooding - the channels, dams and wetland habitats that beavers create hold back water and release it more slowly after heavy rain They benefit other species, such as otters, water shrews, water voles, birds, invertebrates (especially dragonflies) and breeding fish They increase water retention and clean water They reduce siltation, which pollutes water How long is the project going to run for? What’s being studied at the site? Can I visit the Beaver Project site and see the beavers? Did you know? Myth-busting facts This isn't just about the reintroduction of a species - it's about the reintroduction of an entire ecosystem that's been lost. BEAVERS: NATURE'S ENGINEERS Beavers: Nature's Engineers Beavers play a vital role in river ecology, benefiting the biodiversity of our wild spaces, but there can also be many wider benefits too RIVER OTTER BEAVER TRIAL River Otter Beaver Trial The River Otter Beaver Trial is a 5-year trial reintroduction of Eurasian beavers into the wild in south east Devon Beaver updates straight to your inbox Sign up to our regular email newsletter for updates and the latest news about the beavers and the work we do in Dorset to protect wildlife. Stay tuned to our News and Blog pages and this webpage for updates on the beavers and ways you can help. Send me updates Fundraising promise Dorset Wildlife Trust About us Become a member Contact us Things to do Volunteering Events Visit a reserve Footer Accessibility Privacy and Cookies Supporter Care Charter Shop terms and conditions Copyright © 2021 Dorset Wildlife Trust | Registered Company No. 688439 | Registered Charity No. 200222 We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our websites. We work with trusted digital partners to show you advertising, social media features and website content tailored to your interests. To ensure that visitors like you continue to receive the most relevant content, we also use cookies to analyse how people use our websites. If you would like to find out more about our use of cookies, find out more Okay, got it No thanks