First wild beaver born in Staffordshire in over 400 years
Wildlife Trust captures footage of baby beaver's first moments
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has revealed a significant milestone in nature preservation, as it shares footage of the first wild baby beaver born in the county in over four centuries.
In their early months, beaver kits are quite susceptible to predators such as mink and otter, which is why the Wildlife Trust waited for sightings above ground before declaring this news.
Nick Mott, the Species Recovery and River Restoration Manager, spoke of the cautious approach taken by the Trust: "During their first few weeks, beaver kits are incredibly vulnerable to predation (from mink and otter), so we were really cautious about sharing this exciting news until we'd had sightings of the kit/s above ground, which now we do!"
The emergence of wild beavers in Staffordshire is groundbreaking, particularly given it was first believed the presence of beavers resulted from 'beaver bombing' or illegal rewilding attempts by unknown individuals. Initially, the Trust was monitoring several wild beavers and further examination suggested one female was lactating.
The confirmation of a healthy, feeding kit recently captured by the Trust's trail camera reveals positive signs for beaver rewilding in Staffordshire. The Trust will continue its monitoring efforts to track this family and other beaver populations across the region.
The plans for beavers in Staffordshire extend beyond one kit, as preparations are underway for a fenced beaver project at Craddocks Moss, a Trust-owned nature reserve. Scheduled for release this autumn, the Trust aims for the beavers to revitalize the bog, enhancing biodiversity and supporting other wildlife in the process.
Following 2025 government approval to release beavers into the wild under licence, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is developing information for a future full licence application to Natural England, envisioning a managed 10-year scheme potentially introducing 50 more beavers to suitable locations.
These 'nature's architects' offer vast ecological benefits such as reducing flood risks, managing water storage during droughts, filtering water, boosting local economies through eco‑tourism, and fostering tranquil environments that promote wellbeing.