10 May Sharing learning & good practice: Beaver Conservation & Ecology with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
The Derbyshire team recently enjoyed a visit to Willington Wetlands to learn more about the reintroduction of beavers at the nature reserve. The event was led by Kate Lemon, Landscape Recovery Manager (Trent and Erewash) at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust. Kate gave an insight into how the beavers were re-introduced to the former gravel quarry back in September 2021, the current legal situation, beaver ecology and how to look for field signs.
After a fish and chip supper, the team joined Kate and colleagues at the wetlands to see their work in action. After a tour of parts of the nature reserve, everyone gathered at the beaver viewing point to watch and wait. After only 15 minutes the team were fortunate enough to spot a beaver swimming across the lake and to then see it feeding on the bank. The shingle and grass islands also provide an ideal refuge for birds and the evening was enhanced by the sound of a booming bittern and a Cetti’s warbler and the sight of three hobby’s feeding overhead.
A great time was had by all, and it was a wonderful opportunity to see some positive conservation and species reintroduction work in action.
Fiona Shuttle, Senior ecologist commented: “I really loved our beaver outing – I was so excited to spend an evening with colleagues learning about beaver ecology and watching them in a beautiful nature reserve! With the background music of bittern, Cetti’s warbler and cuckoo it was a truly magical experience. It’s moments like these that we really re-connect with nature; a reminder of how breathtaking wildlife can be and a great boost to start us off in the busy survey season.”
Sidney Vickress, Ecologist said: “The event with Derbyshire Wildlife Trust was really exciting and insightful. We were delivered an informative presentation on the ecology, conservation and status of beavers across the UK and then actually managed to see one of the beavers and lots of field signs at the reserve – a wonderful and fun evening.”
