For the first time in over 400 years, new evidence from Avon Wildlife Trust has found wild beavers living in the Avon catchment area.

This marks Avon as one of the first regions in the UK to be home to wild beavers without any human assistance.

Unfortunately for the safety of the beavers, Avon Wildlife Trust cannot disclose the precise location of the beavers, but only confirm that they are in the Avon catchment area.

For over 20 years, conservation trials have been helping to reintroduce beavers around the UK. Today, the sighting of three generations of beavers, including three baby beavers born this year, confirms that the species are successfully expanding their range without human intervention.

This comes at an opportune moment, as the government has recently launched a landmark consultation on the reintroduction of beavers in the UK.

Avon Wildlife Trust has also recently launched the 30 by 30 campaign, with an appeal to raise £30,000 by 2030 to help protect at least 30% of our land and sea and will support initiatives such as the newly appointed Beaver Management Group.

Amy Coulthard, Director of Nature's Recovery, Avon Wildlife Trust, said: "A new sighting of wild beavers is extremely significant. Beavers are a keystone species and they have an extraordinary ability to change habitats to suit their needs while creating ecosystems for other species to thrive. The presence of this beaver population will support other wildlife and help us to tackle the ecological emergency."

Avon Wildlife Trust is an independent charity committed to enabling wildlife to survive and thrive across the region. More than 17,000 members, 650 volunteers and a dedicated staff team work together to make our local area wilder and make nature part of life, for everyone.

The Bristol Avon and Somerset Frome Beaver Management Group was established in February 2021 to oversee the development, delivery and ongoing review of the Bristol Avon and Somerset Frome Beaver Management Strategy.