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Beaver Love: New Pair Hopes for Kits at Dorset Estate
3 Jan
Summary
- Two Eurasian beavers, Chip and Willow, were released into a new enclosure.
- The new beavers arrived on December 20th to replace those that escaped.
- Their presence is part of a rewilding project aiming to boost biodiversity.
Two Eurasian beavers, named Chip and Willow, have been introduced to Mapperton Wildlands in Dorset, marking a hopeful new chapter for the estate's rewilding initiative. These new arrivals took the place of Twiggy and Woody, who famously escaped their enclosure over a year ago following severe weather. Chip and Willow, sourced from different locations in the UK, were released into a specially prepared enclosure on December 20th.
The initial release saw Chip and Willow explore in separate directions. However, a significant milestone was reached when wildlife cameras captured them together for the first time on Christmas Day. Estate owner, the Earl of Sandwich, expressed delight at their arrival, noting the initial risk that the beavers, unacquainted with each other, might not bond. He confirmed that early signs indicate they are utilizing the shared lodge built for them.
