Preparations for our planned beaver reintroduction were well on their way over winter. February saw clearance work take place to make way for a new bespoke beaver fence which will be installed in Spring. For the western side of Delta Pit, a number of overhanging willows were removed to form a scallop adjacent to the Skew Bridge loop path. Though the removal of these trees looks dramatic now, in time the area will be far richer in wildlife than before, and people will benefit too.

The removal of these trees served multiple purposes. A certain amount of clearance is necessary to allow for the fencing installation, providing space for contractors to operate as well as ensuring the skirting (used to prevent beavers from escaping underneath) is effective. Due to their overhanging nature and proximity to a high footfall path, many of these trees were deemed to be hazardous if exposed to beaver activity - with path closures already necessary during storm events. Removal of overhanging trees within falling distance of the path has eliminated this risk. This means that in time the path will be drier and less muddy in the long term. Additionally, this area has historically seen minimal management. By coppicing these willows and retaining the deadwood, we are extending their lifespan and creating a varied age structure, whilst providing greater opportunities to wildflowers, butterflies, and other invertebrates as they make use of the sunny edges.

We have retained a number of trees to be protected within this area, as well as other parts of Delta Pit too, notably a large oak which will benefit greatly from improved light. A new hedgerow will be planted in March, providing excellent nesting habitat for a variety of birds as well as long term screening for the plethora of migrating and breeding water birds on Delta Pit lake. In time this area will be a hive of activity for wildlife, with the beavers undoubtedly being the star of the show.