For the first time in over 400 years, beavers have been born near Minehead on the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate on Exmoor, Somerset. These kits, born in May or June, represent a remarkable comeback after the species was hunted to extinction in England centuries ago.
The beaver reintroduction began in February 2026 when eleven beavers were released into the wild on the estate. Since then, the animals have been thriving—building lodges, exploring their new environment, and playing a vital role in restoring Somerset’s natural landscape.
Somerset coast and countryside manager Simon Larkin expressed his excitement: “Welcoming the first wild beaver kits on Exmoor in more than 400 years is incredibly exciting. Observing them successfully raise their young shows just how well they are adapting.”
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The newborn kits were first spotted thanks to a live-stream trail camera positioned outside ‘Beaver Lodge.’ Beaver and wetlands project officer Jack Siviter explained how the global community has been engaged through the livestream: “We’ve had people from all over the world watching, which has helped us catch these rare glimpses of the young kits venturing out of their lodge.”
Beavers are primarily nocturnal, and the kits—about the size of guinea pigs—start emerging around six weeks old, transitioning from nursing to solid foods. Their playful presence is now evident in the wetlands created by their dam-building activities.
Beyond their charm, beavers are powerful climate allies. By constructing dams and digging canals, they create wetlands that mitigate flooding risks and foster biodiversity. Wildlife such as snipe, swallows, and water voles have already flourished around the newly formed habitats.
Jack Siviter highlighted their broader impact: “Bringing beavers back to Exmoor is reconnecting natural floodplains and enhancing the landscape’s resilience against flooding and drought. This project is a huge step toward restoring nature and preparing Somerset for the challenges of climate change.”
The successful birth of these beaver kits is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to revive natural ecosystems in the region, promising a brighter future for Somerset’s wildlife and environment.