One year after beavers were released into the wild at Studland in Dorset, their activity has dramatically reshaped part of the local landscape
A pair of wild beavers released in Dorset have transformed a dense woodland into a bright, wetland habitat within just 12 months of arriving in their new home. Data shared by the National Trust in a press update shows that the animals have changed the landscape by slowing water flow, creating deep pools and opening up the tree canopy. The changes have attracted several native species back to the Purbeck landscape, including otters, barn owls, water rails and rare insects. The beavers were released in March 2025 under the first wild release licence granted by Natural England. The project is part of wider conservation work across the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve.
Landscape architecture in action
After exploring the surrounding area, the beaver pair settled near Little Sea, a 33-hectare freshwater lake. Early monitoring showed the female swimming towards Swanage by sea before conservation teams safely returned her to the lake catchment. Since settling there, the pair has built a 35-metre dam across a local stream. The dam created a deep pool, while underwater vegetation and trees cut down by the beavers opened up more space on the woodland floor. Gen Crisford, Wetlands Project Officer at the National Trust, followed the changes to the ecosystem during the monitoring programme. “The effect on the ecosystem in a relatively short time is astonishing. From dense tangled woodland, the beavers have created a light and airy wetland teeming with life above and below the water. We can't wait to see what wildlife appears this spring and summer – from dragonflies, diving beetles and butterflies to frogs and newts – and of course, all the animals that feed off them,” said Gen Crisford. Trees cut down by beavers do not die. Their stumps quickly grow new shoots through natural coppicing, creating new growth that provides food and shelter for birds and mammals. “It's important to remember that the trees the beavers fell don't die – they quickly sprout new shoots. In fact, regular coppicing like this is essential for keeping the woodland healthy. Not only have the beavers breathed new life into the landscape, but there are also indications that by slowing the flow of the stream, they are helping prevent the nearby road from flooding in heavy rain,” Gen Crisford added.
Wildlife returns to the new wetland
Trail cameras set up by National Trust volunteers have recorded wildlife using the new water body. Otters have been seen fishing, while barn owls have been hunting around the area. Redpolls and water rails have also been spotted near the pond. Monitoring footage also captured mating behaviour between the adult beavers, raising hopes that they could have offspring at the site later this year. “It's very rare to capture footage of beavers mating, so it has generated lots of interest. But the important thing for us was that it's a clear sign they've settled well into their new home. Our monitoring programme, using dedicated volunteers and trail cameras, keeps us informed about the health and wellbeing of the beavers,” said Gen Crisford. The licensed pair also shares the lake with another pair that arrived without help before the government scheme. That pair built two lodges on opposite sides of the and successfully raised three kits.
Climate resilience and future policy
Beavers disappeared from mainland Britain in the 16th century after centuries of hunting for their fur, meat and castoreum. Their return is now an important part of natural flood management efforts supported by environmental organisations across the UK. Beaver dams work as natural filters. They hold back sediment, slow water during heavy rain, reduce the risk of flooding downstream and store water during periods of summer drought. Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation at the National Trust, said the Dorset project could have wider policy importance. “The transformation already underway is remarkable and demonstrates the vital role nature can play in addressing the environmental pressures we face,” said Ben McCarthy. “This reintroduction demonstrates how positive political action can result in tangible ecological recovery in a really short space of time.” “Replicating nature-based solutions like these is essential if Government is to meet its promise of making 30% of land good for nature by 2030,” Ben McCarthy added. Following the success at Studland and later licensed releases at the Holnicote Estate in Exmoor, the National Trust plans to carry out more releases across the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve later in the autumn.
