Family of beavers hailed a success a year on since release at the Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve

Conservationists say the beavers have transformed the Delta Pit lake habitat, helping more birds, bats and insects to thrive, and even welcomed two new kits.

Author: Ellie RobsonPublished 18th Feb 2026

A family of beavers has been making a big impact at the Nene Wetlands Nature Reserve, a year after being reintroduced to Northamptonshire for the first time in four centuries.

Conservationists say they’ve opened up Delta Pit lake, created new habitats, and seen two kits born since their arrival.

In areas reserve staff were not previously able access, the beavers have been removing some of the trees, coppicing others, creating channels and bringing much needed diversity to the site.

Wildlife Trust said some of the stats from the first year include:

  • 3 large trees felled and 30 coppiced by the beavers
  • 3 lodges built
  • 2 kits born
  • 400 people attended guided walks
  • 236 Adopt a Beaver packs bought
  • 104 fence checks by the team equivalent to 176.8 km of walking - the same distance as walking to central London and back
  • More than 100m of beaver canals created

The project has been supported by Anglian Water through its Get River Positive fund.

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