Beavers discovered at nature reserve
- Jun 19
- 1 min read
For the first time, busy beavers have been spotted at a nature reserve in Hampshire.
Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve, near Ringwood, is the lucky location.
Martin de Retuerto, director of nature recovery at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: "Blashford Lakes is a remarkable place for nature, with a rich mix of lakes, wetlands, reedbeds and woodland, so it’s no great surprise that beavers, which depend on healthy freshwater habitats, may be exploring the area."
The trust described the appearance of the beavers as a significant and exciting moment.
It credited the reserve’s network of lakes, wetlands and waterways as ideal habitat for the animals.
Visitors to Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve have been told to keep a safe distance and avoid disturbing wildlife, and strictly no dogs.
Considered a keystone species, beavers can have a transformative impact on landscapes.
Their many talents include creating wetlands and slowing water flow.
This supports biodiversity, water quality and adaptation to climate change.
Beaver habitats can also reduce pollution, store water in droughts, slow floodwaters during heavy rain and increase plant and animal variety.
