Beaver Training Workshop

The Eurasian beaver is a native keystone species that is now returning to the British landscape, and in October 2022 was granted European Protected Species (EPS) status in England. There is great deal of interest in beavers, with many advocating their return and requesting information and support for reintroduction. However, they can have a profound impact on watercourses, and this can bring them into conflict with existing land-uses, and there are some with questions and concerns about how this species can be returned to our heavily modified cultural landscape.

Led by national beaver specialist Mark Elliott, you will learn the basic ecology and behaviour of this species, and discuss how this impacts on decisions about their reintroduction. The day will include detail on the benefits and ecosystem services provided by beavers, as well as some of the conflicts that they can cause in certain places, and techniques for managing these.

The morning session covers beaver ecology and behaviour, beaver effects on watercourses and biodiversity – hydrology and water quality and beaver effects on landscapes – farmland, trees and wetlands. You will discuss the legal status and distribution of beavers in Britain, current Defra policy, beaver management hierarchy developed by Natural England and practical interventions, how beavers use the landscape and recolonise river catchments and the pros and cons of different reintroduction techniques.

Lunch will be provided, please let us know of any dietary requirements at the point of booking.

In the afternoon session you will visit the beaver pen.  You will have an introduction to field signs, beaver activity and survey techniques. Beavers are generally nocturnal, and you should not expect to see the beavers themselves.

Please note that we currently only have one more workshop planned for 2024, and it’s on 31 October.

2025 dates are not yet available.

9.30am-4pm
£175 per person