Following the licensed release of two pairs of beavers at Willington in 2021, true to form, the beavers have been busy. One pair have since bred, and the first beaver kits were sighted in July this year.  

Beavers are often referred to as 'ecosystem engineers' and the beavers in Derbyshire have been living up to their reputation, making changes to their habitat in Willington, coppicing trees and shrub species, damming smaller water courses, and have even started to dig 'beaver canal' systems. 

These activities are helping to create diverse and dynamic wetland which will bring enormous benefits to more wildlife including otters, water voles, kingfisher, egret, frogs, toads, dragonflies and fish, as well as locking up carbon. 

Henry Richards, Living Landscape Officer at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said:

“This has been such an exciting year for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s vision for a wilder Derbyshire. The two pairs are both thriving in their new habitat and when the first beaver kits were sighted back in July, we were absolutely delighted, not just because it was good news for the reintroduction of a species, but also because it's great news for the reintroduction of an entire ecosystem that has been lost here in Derbyshire. 

“These beaver families were introduced to help us shape, improve and care for our wetland area in Willington and in time they could play a crucial role responding to the impacts of climate change. 

“We look forward to watching how these incredible animals continue to transform this wetland habitat, and to hopefully welcoming more kits in the future.” 

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust worked with partners at The Beaver Trust, and Five Sisters Zoo in Edinburgh, and its volunteers to manage the reintroduction of beavers in Derbyshire and create a safe and welcoming environment for them. This has been made possible by funders Severn Trent Water, Biffa Award, Atlantic Pumps and donations from the public. 

Visitors are welcome to Willington Wetlands to see the beaver's habitat, but as they are nocturnal and move around the reserve, they can be difficult to spot. Bird life can also be seen all year round; bittern and marsh harriers are occasional visitors and a rare purple heron was photographed recently. 

Find out more about Willington Wetlands and the beavers or show your support here.