Baby beavers have been born in London for the first time in more than 400 years, conservationists say.
A family of five Eurasian beavers were introduced to a nature reserve in Ealing, west London, back in October as part of a project that hopes to encourage wildlife in urban areas.
Just eight months later, two baby beavers – known as kits – were born.
Conservationists are thrilled with the births, which they say prove that “humans and wildlife can thrive side by side in urban environments.”
The hope now is that the beavers will transform the location into a flourishing wetland – making for an improved ecosystem for plants and animals alike.
Beavers used to be found all over the UK but they were hunted for their meat and fur.
This, combined with the loss of their habitats, meant the semi-aquatic mammals went extinct in England towards the end of the 16th century.
However, various breeding programmes have reintroduced beavers over the years, and now they can even be found in urban London – marking the end of a more than 400-year absence.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who supported the project at Paradise Fields through the Rewild London Fund, said: “I am delighted that baby beavers have been born in west London.
“It was a privilege to be involved in the Autumn release of the beavers at Paradise Fields last year and it’s fantastic to see humans and wildlife thrive side by side with this family growing so quickly.
“We are facing climate and ecological emergencies worldwide, but we have the power to make a difference.
“I am committed to ensuring that London is at the forefront of the rewilding revolution as we work to re-establish lost species and reconnect people and nature.”
Volunteers at the Ealing Beaver Project said they could tell the beavers were “happy” with their habitats as they were building dams, lodges, and waterways.
However, two baby beavers being born in under eight months – given that a Eurasian beaver’s gestation period is around three and a half months – was simply “the icing on the cake”.
Dr Sean McCormack, Ealing Beaver Project licence holder and Chair of Ealing Wildlife Group said: “I had every confidence our beaver family would settle in at Paradise Fields, but to discover they’ve had new baby kits this Spring is really the icing on the beaver cake!
“These are not a wilderness species; they are an important animal we once lived alongside up and down the country and welcoming them back, even to our towns and cities, is the right thing to do.”
Dr McCormack said that in the future we “may need to learn to manage [the animals’] behaviour, but stressed that the benefits they provide to the ecosystem speak for themselves.
He said: “Improved water quality, reduced flooding, more insects and other wildlife on site, habitat improvements. And now at least two cute baby beavers to boot!”
Jon Staples, park ranger at Ealing Council, added: “Beaver kits at Paradise Fields in Ealing are a brilliant indication that the beaver family group is settled and thriving, that they have an abundance of food and suitable habitat.
“Our first urban beaver population is having a wonderful impact on the site’s ecology and community, with so much positive potential for the future.”
Animal lovers are able to visit the beavers via walking tours and safaris, but the team has stressed that they are still wild animals and visitors should respect the space around their homes.
Currently, the beaver enclosure incorporates most of the site at Paradise Fields, spanning 8 hectares in total.
This is enough room to comfortably support two to three beaver families.
The Ealing Beaver Project is a volunteer-led collaboration between Ealing Wildlife Group, Citizen Zoo, Friends of Horsenden, and Ealing Council, with support from Beaver Trust and the Mayor of London.
The aims of the project include exploring how beavers can alleviate flood risk on an urban river catchment, studying the biodiversity benefits the semi-aquatic mammals can bring, and demonstrating the benefits of humans and wildlife living alongside each other.
In the future, more beaver families can be welcomed in various sites across the UK.
