For the first time in 400 years, wild beavers have been born near Minehead on the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate in Exmoor. The kits appeared in late spring, marking a milestone in the ongoing project to restore this iconic species to the region.
In February 2026, a group of 11 beavers was reintroduced to the estate as part of a wider effort to harness their natural abilities to combat climate change. Beavers, once hunted to extinction in England centuries ago, are now thriving as they explore their new environment, build lodges, and contribute to ecosystem restoration.
Simon Larkin, Somerset Coast and Countryside Manager at the National Trust, said, “It’s incredibly exciting to witness the first wild beaver kits born here in over four centuries. Their presence is a promising sign that our ecosystem restoration efforts are succeeding.”
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The birth of these kits was captured by a live-stream camera positioned outside ‘Beaver Lodge,’ offering viewers worldwide a chance to witness this extraordinary moment. Jack Siviter, beaver and wetlands project officer, explained, “The baby beavers spend their initial six weeks inside the lodge, fully dependent on their mother’s milk. As they grow, they venture out and start adapting to solid food.”
Despite their largely nocturnal nature, the young kits are easier to spot on camera because of their smaller size and buoyant swimming style. Enthusiasts from across the globe have been tuning in to observe the family’s progress and share in this conservation success.
Beavers play a vital role in environmental health. Their dam-building and canal-digging activities create wetlands, reduce flooding risks, and provide habitats for numerous species including snipe, swallows, and water voles. Their return has already enhanced biodiversity and helped reconnect floodplains, improving the landscape’s resilience to both floods and droughts.
Jack Siviter added, “Restoring these natural engineers to Exmoor not only revives historical ecosystems but also strengthens climate resilience across Somerset. The successful birth of these wild kits represents a significant step forward, inspiring us to continue our conservation mission.”
As the beavers grow and flourish, the National Trust encourages nature enthusiasts to watch the live stream available on YouTube, especially during dawn or dusk when the beavers are most active.