Once hunted for their fur and meat, Eurasian beavers have been extinct in the UK for over 400 years – until now. A chance discovery at Penheale in 2022 revealed the return of these ravenous rodents – a direct result of an uncontrolled reintroduction.
In woodlands on the southern bank along the River Ottery, obvious clues included the remnants of a beaver dam and their signature calling card – a sea of felled oak trees, bearing the distinctive diagonal cut around their bases.
To landowners, a resident beaver colony presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, we fully recognise the biodiversity boost resident beavers can bring – the improved water quality, increased riparian vegetation and enhanced local wildlife.
However, the damage they cause can render redundant decades of woodland management and effective stewardship. We understand the balancing act needed to preserve this once-extinct, now-protected species but also the importance of safeguarding against further destruction of valuable Penheale oak trees.
The solution: Nursery oaks will be protected by a wire mesh to ensure their long-term survival. Areas further downstream will planted with sacrificial beaver favourites including poplar, willow and alder, in a bid distract and draw them away from devouring the valuable oak crops.
This multi-pronged approach will provide a “win-win” outcome for beavers and Penheale. Through working with this now-protected species, allowing them to flourish and while harnessing the ecological benefits, we are able to safeguard against the further deforestation of Penheale oak.
