Biodiversity
Beavers
In October 2005, 6 Beavers were released into an enclosed lake at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswold Water Park.
Key Facts
- Beavers are native to Britain but became extinct by the 17th Century through over hunting not through habitat loss.
- They were hunted for their fur which was used for coats and especially beaver hats , their meat which is very tasty and deemed to be "fish" which meant it could be eaten on Fridays!!!
- Most valuable of all were their castoreum glands. Due to the willow bark that Beavers eat, Salicylic Acid (Aspirin) accumulates in the glands. During the Middle ages these glands were a prized medicine and therefore highly valuable.
- Beavers were on the verge of extinction throughout Europe at the end of the 19th Century but have be successfully re-introduced into virtually every country in Europe.
The Society has been working in partnership with the Lower Mill Estate to bring back Beavers to lowland England.
In October 2005, after 6 months quarantine, 6 beavers were released into a secure enclosure on the Lower Mill Estate.
The 20 hectare enclosure into which the beavers have been released contains two purpose built beaver lodges, a 15ha lake, 3ha of woodland and grassland.
The Society is working with the Lower Mill Estate and the University of the West of England to study their impact on the habitat and several cameras have been placed on the lake to enable to monitor their activity . This information will be used to guide future Beaver re-introduction projects.
Beavers play a vital role in maintaining a healthy, wildlife rich wetland ecosystem. Glades created by the beavers felling activity quickly fill with fresh new growth which deer and grazing animals make use of. Beavers create pools and channels of water which play host to an array of aquatic species including frogs, newts, dragonflies and damselflies. Dead wood left by beavers provides nest sites crucial for insects, which provides food for woodpeckers, bats and small rodents in turn providing food for owls & kestrels.
Beavers are entirely vegetarian and feed on leaves & bark. During the summer months they eat herbaceous & aquatic plants.
STOP PRESS
March 24, 2008
The CWPS are aware of the existence of a beaver on the Thames in Oxfordshire. We are working closely with Lower Mill Estate and the Environment Agency to establish the origin of this beaver, and to assist in its recapture. For any further information please email info@waterpark.org
Did you know….?
The CWPS education team runs a unique Brilliant Beavers programme for primary age children - find out more!
