Three beaver kits have been caught on camera at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve in Norfolk, east England. The youngsters join their two older siblings, born last year.
The parents to this ever-growing family were introduced to the reserve in 2022 as part of a project to improve biodiversity and encourage more birds of prey to the site.
“The arrival of the three kits is a hugely positive sign for the health of the reserve’s ecosystem and a boon for the UK’s beaver population," says Adrian Blumfield, Operations Director at the Hawk and Owl Trust, which manages Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve.
“While the beavers are most active at dawn and dusk, making daytime sightings less frequent, our volunteer monitoring wardens have compiled some incredible video footage of the kits exploring the world around them, splashing around in the water and even working together to build a new dam.
"Watching these amazing creatures interact with each other and their environment is a truly exceptional experience.
"We welcome all visitors to join us at Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve during our daily opening hours of 9am-4pm to learn more about beavers and the vital role they play in supporting a rich tapestry of wildlife.”
Beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK in the 16th century for their fur, meat and the oil from their scent glands.
Efforts to reintroduce the species over the past few decades mean England’s beaver population is now around 500 strong.
The arrival of the three youngsters brings Fakenham’s total count to seven.
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