Wild beaver kits have been born in Norfolk, the first time in over 500 years that such an event has occurred in the county. The pair of newborns are the offspring of two free-living beavers that arrived mysteriously at Pensthorpe nature reserve near Fakenham last December.
These adult beavers, who have built a lodge on the River Wensum, were the first wild beavers recorded in Norfolk since the native species was hunted to extinction in England at the beginning of the 16th century. The reserve's manager, Richard Spowage, welcomed the arrival of the kits, which are thought to be around three months old.
The birth of the kits presents a challenge for the reserve, as they will have a limited genetic pool for future breeding. Pensthorpe is now crowdfunding to apply to Natural England for permission to legally introduce more wild beavers into the Wensum.
Farmers have historically opposed beaver reintroduction due to concerns about flooding. However, some landowners are now recognising the value of beavers in managing water, particularly during heatwaves. Natural England spokesperson Matt Heard stated that reintroducing beavers makes a significant difference to nature's recovery and can secure long-term environmental benefits when managed carefully.