With two pairs of beavers now successfully settled into the wild in Studland, Dorset, there’s a plan to introduce more of the large rodents across the wider Purbeck Heaths area in autumn 2026.
Beavers were hunted to extinction on mainland Britain in the 16th Century but slowly they have been reintroduced, firstly to enclosed areas of land, and now, as in the case of the pair released in Studland in March 2025, they are legally allowed to roam free in the wild.
The first legally released beavers in Studland were relocated from the River Tay catchment in Scotland
Potential to release 10 to 25 adult beavers
The licence granted to the National Trust, who owns the land at Studland, allows for the release of 10 to 25 adult beavers within the Purbeck project area in suitable locations over the coming years.
Now the National Trust says the next planned wild beaver release on the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve is expected to take place in autumn 2026, although the exact location has yet to be confirmed.
The new beavers will add to the two pairs of beavers which have now established their homes in and around Little Sea in Studland.
The first beavers were believed to have been released illegally in early 2024 by campaigners frustrated by the slow pace of the government to grant a licence.
That pair have successfully raised three baby beavers known as kits and constructed two large lodges where they live, one each side of the 33 hectare lake.
First licensed beaver release at Studland was undertaken by MP for South Dorset Lloyd Hatton (left) and government minister for nature Mary Creagh (right) in March 2025
First licensed release in England of beavers in the wild
In March 2025, two pairs of beavers were legally released amid the glare of the media spotlight. Sadly one beaver was found dead washed up on Swanage beach, while his mate hasn’t been seen for a long time.
The other pair, despite early problems when the female beaver swam round to Swanage and attempted to build a home near the Main Beach car park toilets, have now settled in Studland.
They have built an impressive 35 metre dam, turning a previously dense area of woodland into a wetland habitat.
The dam has slowed the flow of a small stream, creating a deep and extensive pond.
Their coppicing of trees has opened up the canopy, allowing light to flood in and creating ideal habitat for plants, insects, amphibians, birds and bats.
The trail cameras have already picked up an otter fishing in the pond, as well as a barn owl hunting there, and volunteers have spotted birds like redpoll and water rail.
Beaver pair have built an extensive dam in the new wetland area which has slowed the flow of a small stream and created a deep pond
Gen Crisford inspecting the new dam made by the beavers in Studland
“Breathed new life into the landscape”
National Trust’s wetlands project officer Gen Crisford said:
“The effect on the ecosystem in a relatively short time is astonishing. From dense tangled woodland, the beavers have created a light and airy wetland teeming with life above and below the water.
“We can’t wait to see what wildlife appears this spring and summer – from dragonflies, diving beetles and butterflies to frogs and newts – and of course, all the animals that feed off them.
“It’s important to remember that the trees the beavers fell don’t die – they quickly sprout new shoots. In fact, regular coppicing like this is essential for keeping the woodland healthy.
“Not only have the beavers breathed new life into the landscape, but there are also indications that by slowing the flow of the stream, they are helping prevent the nearby road from flooding in heavy rain.”
The bonking beavers were caught on the trail cam!
“Settled well into their new home”
Trail cameras have recently captured footage of this pair of beavers mating, indicating there could be kits this summer.
Gen added:
“It’s very rare to capture footage of beavers mating, so it has generated lots of interest. But the important thing for us was that it’s a clear sign they’ve settled well into their new home.
“Our monitoring programme, using dedicated volunteers and trail cameras, keeps us informed about the health and wellbeing of the beavers.”
An impressive 35 metre dam has been created by the beavers
A gnawed tree in the new wetland area
Beavers could move to Wareham
In a separate project by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, there is a proposal to release beavers into the wild in the River Hooke and Frome catchment area, which is roughly in the Dorchester area.
A public consultation is under way with three drop in sessions planned, including one in Wareham.
- Saturday 11th April 2026 from 9 am to 3 pm at Maiden Newton Village Hall
- Saturday 18th April 2026 from 9 am to 4 pm at Dorchester Town Hall at the Corn Exchange
- Saturday 2nd May 2026 from 9 am to 4 pm at Wareham Town Hall
The exact release sites of the beavers have not been confirmed but as the River Frome runs through Wareham into Poole Harbour, the consultation is aimed at engaging with people within the catchment area where beavers might one day live.
There is clearly the potential that any released beavers could move downstream to the Wareham area in the future.
Watch National Trust trail cam clips of beavers, otters and a barn owl in new Studland wetland
Further information
- Bring Beavers Back to Dorset online Zoom talk at 7 pm on Thursday 23rd April 2026 with Dorset Wildlife Trust’s rivers conservation officer Steve Oliver and National Trust’s wetlands project officer Gen Crisford. Book a free ticket
- More about the Studland beavers
- Dorset Wildlife Trust’s beaver consultation
