Beaver Workshop

Led by national beaver specialist Mark Elliott, this full-day workshop provides practical training and insights into how to establish and manage this native keystone species in our heavily-modified countryside. Currently beavers can only be released into enclosures in England under licence but the hope is that, very soon, the government will allow these animals to be free living once again, as they are now in Scotland.

During the morning session you’ll learn about beaver ecology and behaviour, and the effects these ecosystem engineers have on landscapes, watercourses and biodiversity. You’ll explore the legal status and distribution of beavers in Britain, current Defra policy, the pros and cons of different reintroduction techniques and how the impacts of beavers and potential conflict with landowners can be managed. Mark draws on his considerable experience monitoring the first government-sanctioned free-living English beavers on the River Otter in Devon.

There will be a break for a delicious lunch featuring organic Knepp produce.

Then you’ll head out to visit Knepp’s beaver pen where you will see first-hand how beavers’ impressive engineering skills have created a thriving wetland. You’ll learn how to identify signs of beaver presence and activity and be introduced to survey techniques.

Please note that as beavers are nocturnal, you’re highly unlikely to see the beavers themselves. However you will see their lodges, tree-felling, coppicing, dams, ‘beaver lawns’, and all the channels they have constructed.

9.30am-4pm
£175 per person