Conservationists are hopeful that two bonding beavers who were released into the wild earlier in 2026 could help to strengthen the population of the creatures.
The beavers, which live on the Holnicote Estate, Exmoor, Somerset, were captured on trail cameras grooming each other.
The semi-aquatic rodents were released in February as part of the National Trust’s work to restore rivers, wetlands and floodplains on the 5,000-hectare site.
National Trust ranger Mathieu Burtschell said: “The fact that they have paired up is a good indication that they have found the right conditions at Holnicote, with enough suitable habitat, food and space to establish a territory together.”
Beavers usually live in small family groups centred around an adult pair who then typically mate for life.
Once the creatures establish their territory, their dams, canals and wetlands can help to create new habitats for other wildlife and keep water in the landscape for longer.
