The birth of two new baby beavers in Greenford is a significant moment for urban rewilding efforts. These babies mark the return of breeding beavers to urban London after more than 400 years of absence. Beavers were once a common sight in the capital before hunting and habitat loss caused their disappearance.
Last year, a family of five Eurasian beavers was released at Paradise Fields, an urban wetland, in a groundbreaking reintroduction project led by Beaver Trust and Five Sisters Zoo. In just eight months, the beavers have already built lodges, dams, and waterways, and now they have welcomed at least two new kits.
Guided tours of the site are available for those interested in learning more about the beavers and their environmental impact. However, it is important to remember that the beavers are wild animals and their space should be respected.
Dr Sean McCormack, Ealing Beaver Project licence holder, expressed his excitement about the new arrivals, while Jon Staples, Ealing Council park ranger, sees the baby beavers as a positive sign of the family’s wellbeing and success in their new environment.
Paradise Fields, where the beavers reside, is a 10-hectare site with diverse habitats such as woodland, wetlands, and meadows. The area is located in North Greenford and is part of the larger Horsenden Hill green space, with a river flowing through it that eventually joins the Thames.
To support the ongoing costs of the project, donations can be made through the project’s website. Additionally, a camera trap video capturing the new baby beavers can be viewed to witness these adorable creatures in action.
