Reintroduction of Beavers to West London Marks New Era in Urban Rewilding
Eight months after the innovative reintroduction of a beaver family to west London, at least two new kits have been spotted, indicating a successful breeding after a 400-year absence in the urban area. This event, spearheaded by The Ealing Beaver Project, marks a significant milestone in urban rewilding efforts.
The successful reintroduction of beavers and the subsequent birth of the kits is a result of a joint effort between multiple organisations. According to the organisers, the new kits have been observed outside their lodge in recent weeks. This observation was made at Paradise Fields, a publicly accessible wetland in Greenford, west London.
Dr. Sean McCormack, the licence holder at the Ealing Beaver Project and chair of Ealing Wildlife Group, expressed his excitement at the development. “The birth of the new kits is a testament to the successful reintroduction efforts,” he added. “This demonstrates that wildlife and humans can coexist harmoniously in urban settings.”
Not only has the presence of the beavers improved water quality, but it has also reduced flooding and attracted more insects and other wildlife to the site. The beaver family’s adaptation at Paradise Fields could potentially serve as a blueprint for future beaver reintroductions in other parts of the UK.
Also, a beaver baby boom seems to be happening across Britain, particularly in areas where the species had been extinct for many centuries. New beaver kits have been spotted in Scotland’s Cairngorms, Canterbury in Kent, and Northumberland’s Wallington Estate, thanks to various reintroduction projects.
The Ealing Beaver Project is a collaborative initiative involving the Ealing Wildlife Group, rewilding organisation Citizen Zoo, the Friends of Horsenden charity, and Ealing Council. It also has the support of the Beaver Trust and the Mayor of London, with funding from the Rewild London Fund.
The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, stated, “Seeing humans and wildlife thrive side by side is inspiring and a privilege. As we face climate and ecological emergencies worldwide, we need initiatives like this to make a difference.”
Beavers: The Environmental Engineers at Work
Paradise Fields is a 10-hectare site composed of woodland, wetlands, and meadows, forming part of the larger 100-hectare Horsenden Hill green space. The beaver enclosure spans eight hectares, providing enough room to comfortably support two to three beaver families.
Since their arrival, the beavers have constructed six dams, allowing the site to store more water and release it slowly after periods of heavy rainfall. Experts will continue to monitor the site’s progress, assessing its capacity for flood risk mitigation. More complex wetlands and wet woodland areas have been created by the beavers, resulting in a surge of wildlife. These include amphibians, bats, dragonflies, other insects, and birds.
The project is community-led, relying on eco-tourism and donations for funding. Those interested in contributing to the ongoing costs of the project can make donations to the Ealing Beaver Project.
