Pensthorpe Natural Park has confirmed the presence of a wild beaver on its reserve, following several weeks of monitoring.
In footage taken at the reserve, the beaver can be seen carrying a large log through the trees in the dark.
Beavers have been reintroduced around Norfolk but this is the first time one has been spotted in the wild (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
Beavers became extinct in Britain in the 16th century due to over-hunting, but have been reintroduced to Norfolk via captive release schemes in recent years.
Until now, no free-living beaver had been recorded in Norfolk in modern times.
Although the origin of the Beaver spotted at Pensthorpe is unknown, the discovery marks a significant arrival to local river networks, demonstrating the ongoing return of a species.
Richard Spowage, reserve manager at Pensthorpe, said: “This discovery is an exciting moment for Pensthorpe. The fact that it has chosen our land to establish a territory reflects the ongoing work we have been doing to improve our river and the surrounding land for nature.
“Beavers are returning to river systems and wetland landscapes across parts of the UK, and it’s encouraging to see individuals moving through Norfolk too.
Beavers are known for building dams (Image: Pensthorpe Natural Park)
“We’re monitoring the situation carefully, but for now this is fantastic news for nature recovery.”
Beavers could play a vital role in restoring wetland landscapes. Their activity creates ponds, channels and wet woodland habitats that benefit amphibians, insects, fish and countless bird species.
The species is increasingly being recorded in new areas of the country as individuals naturally disperse along rivers and waterways.
Pensthorpe has made no beaver releases, and the animal discovered appears to be a free-living individual moving through the landscape.
Beavers have been released in Wild Ken Hill, where a baby beaver was born in 2021 – the first in Norfolk for over 600 years.
The beaver has been hard at work (Image: Pensthorpe Natural Park)
Pairs were also released in the River Glaven and Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve in 2021 and 2022.
Pensthorpe’s conservation and species management team is working closely with ecological partners to monitor the beaver’s movements and ensure that habitats, visitor areas and wildlife collections remain safe across the reserve.
“Our priority is to balance the needs of nature with responsible site management,” Mr Spowage added.
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“We’re observing the animal quietly and carefully, and will continue to assess any impacts on the wider reserve.
“At this stage, its presence is extremely low-impact and an encouraging indicator of ecological recovery.”
Beavers are nocturnal and secretive, so sightings are extremely rare. Pensthorpe is not promoting it as a visitor attraction, but is celebrating what the discovery means for the natural landscape.