Beavers have been born near Minehead on the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate in Exmoor for the first time in over 400 years. The newborn kits, arriving in May or June, mark the success of a landmark reintroduction effort aimed at combating climate change and restoring natural ecosystems.
In February 2026, 11 beavers were released into the wild on the Holnicote Estate. Once hunted to extinction in England centuries ago, the species is now making a promising comeback. The live-stream camera installed outside ‘Beaver Lodge’ recently captured footage of the young kits as they begin exploring their surroundings.
Simon Larkin, Somerset Coast and Countryside Manager at the National Trust, expressed enthusiasm about the momentous return: “It’s incredibly exciting to welcome the first wild beaver kits born here for more than 400 years. Since their release, they’ve been busy establishing their territory, building lodges, and thriving as part of our goal to restore nature across Somerset.”
READ MORE: Dramatic M5 Fire Brings Traffic to a Halt, Captured on Dashcam
READ MORE: The £105m Solution Transforming Somerset’s Most Congested Village – in Pictures
Jack Siviter, Beaver and Wetlands Project Officer, shared insights into monitoring the kits via the live trail camera. “We’ve had viewers from around the world tuning in, keeping a watchful eye for signs of the kits. Because beavers are mostly nocturnal, this global network of observers has been invaluable in spotting the young as they venture into the wetlands.”
Beaver kits spend the first six weeks of life inside the lodge, reliant on their mother’s care. Around six weeks old, they gradually begin to explore the outside world and start weaning onto solid food. Being roughly the size of a guinea pig and floating higher in the water makes the kits easier to spot on camera than adult beavers.
These industrious animals play a vital role in climate adaptation. Their dam building and canal digging create wetlands that reduce flood risks and provide habitats for numerous species. “Beavers were once native to Exmoor’s rivers, and their return helps reconnect floodplains and restore natural land processes,” Jack added.
The wetlands created by beavers have already attracted abundant wildlife such as snipe, swallows, and water voles. The project represents a significant milestone in restoring biodiversity and enhancing resilience to climate extremes in Somerset.
The National Trust encourages viewers to watch the Beaver Lodge livestream, especially at dawn or dusk when beavers are most active.