Beaver family creates 'diversity' at nature site

A growing family of beavers are helping to transform and bring "much-needed diversity" to a nature site, a wildlife charity has said.

In February 2025, eight beavers were released into Delta Pit lake, part of Rushden Lakes, Northamptonshire - the first time the rodent had been reintroduced to the county in 400 years.

The Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants said parents, Boudica and Alan, had welcomed two new kits in September, had felled three large trees, coppiced 30 more, and built three lodges.

Project officer Ben Casey said the beavers had made "a big difference" in changing the structure of the site to improve the habitat for a range of species.

The trust said the family of 10 were now "managing the wet woodland around the water, opening up the space and creating the ideal conditions for birds, bats and insects to thrive".

Casey said: "After 18 months of challenges and setbacks leading up to our release day on 13th February 2025, the past year has been a genuine privilege to watch as the family expand, grow, and begin to change the structure of Delta Pit.

"Before the beavers were relocated from Scotland to the Nene Wetlands the wooded area around the lake was dense, difficult to access and not providing the best habitat for a range of species.

"One year on and we can confidently say they are making a big difference."

The beavers live in a 17-hectare fenced enclosure, and the trust said that in areas where reserve staff had been able to access, the animals had been removing trees, coppicing others, creating channels, and bringing much needed diversity to the site.

In other areas there was "improved light penetration, nesting habitat, and insect spawning grounds".

Alan was named after Alan Carr, who grew up in the county, and Boudica after the warrior, as it is believed she lost her leg in a fight.

Their offspring have been named Willow, Pine, Juniper, Hazel, Rowan, Holly, Ash and Maple.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.