A pair of beavers recently reintroduced to the Holnicote estate in Exmoor National Park have been captured on night-vision trail cameras displaying mating behavior, signaling a potential rise in the local beaver population. The National Trust reintroduced the animals in February, aiming to restore these once-native species to their historic habitats.

Beavers, which live in small family groups and typically mate for life, have been making a resurgence across England since official reintroduction efforts began last year. The presence of a mating pair at Holnicote suggests suitable conditions, including adequate food and territory, according to ranger Mathieu Burtschell. "The pairing-up is a good indication they have found the right conditions at Holnicote," Burtschell said. Rangers continue to monitor their activity, relying on trail camera footage to observe these primarily nocturnal creatures.

The reintroduction of beavers has been linked to numerous environmental benefits. These semi-aquatic rodents build intricate dams by felling trees, a natural process that slows water flow and enhances wetland environments. Such modifications can help reduce the risk of flooding and wildfires by creating wetter landscapes. Urban areas have also seen positive effects; for example, the previously flood-prone Greenford Underground station in west London has not experienced flooding in three years following the reintroduction of a beaver family nearby.

Beavers disappeared from the UK in the 16th century due to hunting for fur and meat. Renewed interest in their restoration gained political support in 2021 when then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to “build back beaver.” Subsequently, the government outlined plans to reinstate beaver populations gradually across parts of England.

The National Trust reports that beavers have become one of its most successful conservation initiatives in recent years. Alongside the Holnicote release, a family of four to six beavers was introduced earlier this year at the Purbeck Beaver Project in Dorset, with the organization planning to release up to 100 additional animals in the near future.

Prior to the 2025 government policy change supporting wild releases, an estimated 500 beavers were already present in England, primarily concentrated in enclosed trials or established through unofficial populations. Meanwhile, Scotland’s reintroduction program, initiated in 2009, remains ongoing.

Aside from ecological impacts, the animal’s return has spurred local tourism, with guided “beaver safaris” attracting visitors. However, the secretive nature and nocturnal habits of beavers mean sightings remain relatively rare, as they tend to avoid human contact while carrying out their natural behaviors at night.