Later this year the Wildlife Trust, supported by Anglian Water through its Get River Positive fund, will be releasing a family of beavers at Delta Pit, close to the popular Rushden Lakes shopping centre. They were last seen in Northants 400 years ago when they were driven to extinction.
Before they arrive an enclosure needs to be built and a 1.6km fence will be constructed over the next four weeks. The beaver proof fencing has to be sturdy and made of metal to ensure the new residents cannot chew through it.
Ben Casey, Beaver Project officer, said: “This is an exciting step in the beaver reintroduction project as we create an enclosure for the new arrivals – the return of these amazing animals to this area is now starting to feel real.
“The terms of the licence we have from Natural England means that we need to keep the beavers in one area and monitor them over the next five years, which is why we need to build this fence. I’m excited to see what happens after they arrive as they set to work managing this ecosystem in their own unique way. As they gnaw trees, feed, build a lodge and start a family they will be transforming the area into a diverse wetland habitat which will support a range of other species.
“It will be a fascinating story which everyone will be able to visit, learn about and follow.”
Chris Gerrard, Head of Landscape Transformation at Anglian Water said: “Restoring rivers and wetlands, and working collaboratively with others is at the heart of our Get River Positive commitments.
“We need to restore the health of rivers across our region, and what better way to approach this than with this brilliant nature-based solution. We’re proud to support the Wildlife Trust throughout this project and are excited to see what happens next.”
A fence line route was cleared this winter, this week posts will be installled and finally a 1.2m high fence will be constructed.
There are no plans to close any paths but reserve visitors are being asked to heed health and safety signage on site and to ensure they follow the dogs on lead policy at all times.
Over time the beavers are expected to reduce scrub growth and manage willows on the site which in turn will increase the area of reedbed in the lake. The pair will be sourced via Beaver Trust, and are due to arrive in autumn.
To support this project you can donate to our Beaver Appeal which will help us manage the enclosure and tell the story of the beavers. Find out more and donate at www.wildlifebcn.org/beaverappeal
Get River Positive was launched by Anglian Water and Severn Trent in 2022. The plan includes five pledges to transform river water quality across their regions and demonstrates a clear and actionable response to calls for a revival of rivers in England. Central to the pledges is a commitment that work carried out by the two water companies will ensure storm overflows and sewage treatment works do not harm rivers.
