After reintroducing a family of beavers earlier this year to the largest beaver enclosure in Britain, Trentham has announced that the beaver family is growing, with the first beaver birth in Staffordshire in 400 years. 

Earlier this year, the Grade II* listed Trentham Gardens, designed by Capability Brown, welcomed beavers into a 182-acre enclosure and parkland lake setting.

Supported by experts at Beaver Trust, the family of Eurasian beavers, a native British species known for their keystone effect and benefits they bring to ecosystems, was reintroduced to the historic landscape which features a mile-long serpentine lake and historic woodland.

In a remarkable success story for the project, Trentham has confirmed that the female has given birth, showcasing a thriving reintroduction. This incredible occurrence comes after a mere 3 months since their relocation from Scotland in March of this year.

Whilst the news is incredibly exciting, it’s important to note that beaver kits are vulnerable to predation by foxes, birds of prey and otters – so not all kits survive. Harvey Tweats, commented: “We are thrilled that the beavers have bred and so soon too. The kits appear fit and healthy, and it is incredible news for the estate and Staffordshire as a whole. This project demonstrates just how successful the relocation of beavers to suitable landscapes can be. We’re proud to be bringing back this important keystone species to England and can’t wait to see the new additions exploring their surroundings.”

Carol Adams, Trentham’s Head of Horticulture and Biodiversity, has also been instrumental in the project and is looking forward to offering visitors an insight into beavers’ activity as the Gardens support their cultural reintroduction to Britain, a core part of the project which has been supported by Beaver Trust.

“This is such amazing news and a positive step in establishing a keystone species back into a historic landscape, it will be fascinating to see how the kits get to grips with their surroundings and how the adult beavers take to parenting a larger family.

“We hope that visitors will be equally inspired by the new arrivals and want to learn more about them and feel empowered to support beavers in the landscape by experiencing their return here at Trentham.”

As part of its plans to engage with the local community, Trentham recently introduced two new wildlife initiatives, including Wildlife Wednesday’s which feature a Beaver Dusk Safari or Wildlife Cruise, offering people the chance to learn about Trentham's commitment to conservation and spot a range of wildlife.

Trentham Gardens is already home to a range of wildlife and plant species, including kingfishers and water voles. Within the main lake itself there are important nesting trees used by herons and egrets. Although beavers will generally be left to modify their new home as they see fit, certain trees will be protected to ensure these species can coexist. It has been well documented that beavers serve to generate habitat for multiple other species created through their dynamic activities.

Alastair Budd, Senior Director of Trentham, comments: “We are incredibly excited to welcome new beaver kits to Trentham and further Trentham’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.

“The news of kits born into Britain’s largest beaver enclosure is not only a huge win for Trentham but the wider region, helping to ensure Staffordshire’s visitor economy continues to develop and thrive.”

Alastair adds: “Our work at Trentham will establish a unique and special place for the public to engage and learn more about the species and their vital role. Beavers are one of the most important species in our habitats and we want to help visitors to understand why this once extinct British native should be back in the English countryside, helping to restore our ecosystems and mitigate the impact of climate change.”