Conservationists are hopeful that two beavers released into the wild earlier in 2026 could help to strengthen the population of the creatures. The beavers, living on the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor, Somerset, were captured on trail cameras grooming each other.
The semi-aquatic rodents were released in February as part of the National Trust's work to restore rivers, wetlands and floodplains on the 5,000-hectare site. National Trust ranger Mathieu Burtschell stated that the fact they have paired up indicates they have found suitable conditions at Holnicote.
Beavers typically live in small family groups centred around an adult pair who usually mate for life. If the pair remains together, they could eventually establish their own family group and help strengthen the beaver population across the estate.
The beavers are being monitored by rangers to understand how they settle, move through the catchment, and shape the surrounding habitat. These beavers were among two groups released freely in Somerset for the first time, following a 2025 government decision to approve the reintroduction of the animals in England.