Part of the extended beaver dam along the lake shore

A group of Ryenats members were very lucky to be offered the chance to visit the beaver release site in Cropton Forest for an update to our visit in October (see report). This trip was also led by Cath Bashforth and Nick Gibbons. We arrived in the evening as this is when the beavers tend to be most active (as unfortunately are the midges!). This also means there isn’t much light for photography, so apologies for the quality of some of them.

Tree felled by beavers

A rather ambitious attempt!

As stated for our previous visit, “the site incorporates the remains of ornamental boating ponds from an old Victorian planned landscape, The man-made dams were derelict, with an obvious breach in one of them. The first thing the beavers did on release was to plug this gap and start to re-fill the pond. Since then, in the eighteen months or so they have been on the site, they have done a huge amount of hydro-engineering – it is very impressive to see what they have achieved, especially given the size of the family – two adults, two part grown youngsters from last year and two new kits born this summer. Apparently they gnaw part way through a tree and then leave it for the wind to bring down.”

The changes over the winter and spring are obvious, with the dam now being noticeably higher but also extended laterally around the lake’s edge, increasing its size considerably – to the extent that the previous footpath is now impassable, so we weren’t able to visit the lodge beside the beck. The main dam incorporates several clumps of irises that the beavers have apparently deliberately planted – and these are growing well. The dam is “leaky”, which means it moderates the water flow, preventing flooding downstream.

Beaver dam

Beaver dam

Beaver dam

Beaver lake

This time we were lucky and actually saw one of the beavers, I believe the adult male – albeit briefly and through the willows. A real thrill. We also heard a good deal of splashing and the sound of them feeding, and saw plenty of ripples. It is quite surprising how a relatively large animal can move in the water with so little fuss, often surfacing so that only the nose, eyes and small ears are above the waterline.

Beaver

Beaver

Many thanks to Cath and Nick for arranging and leading such a wonderful visit.

Please see the Forestry Commission site https://www.forestryengland.uk/beaver-trial-cropton-forest for further information on the project.

There are more photos here.

Ryenats members setting off

Postscript. Since our visit they report “June 2021: More fantastic news! We are excited to welcome two new arrivals to the colony. The baby kits are settling in well, and the now family of eight are continuing their daily dam building activities.”