Baby beaver is first born in county for 400 years

A pair of beavers, released on an old river bed earlier this year, have produced what is thought to be their first baby.

It was the first recorded evidence of beavers breeding in Shropshire for 400 years, according to the county's wildlife trust and Shrewsbury Town Council.

The kit's parents, named Bertie and Beryl in a competition, were released in a 32-acre (8.5 hectare) wildlife area in the north of Shrewsbury in February.

Tom Freeland, head of nature reserves at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: "We're delighted that Beryl and Bertie have been able to raise a kit in their first year at the Old River Bed."

He added: "It's testament to the hard work carried out by the partners in setting up the enclosure in ideal beaver habitat, and to the consideration of visitors and local residents who have quietly welcomed the beavers and made them feel at home."

The beavers were released at Shrewsbury's Old River Bed in February

The release took place in a wild, wetland area with fences to keep in the new arrivals, but with a pedestrian walkway across the site so visitors could spot them in their new habitat.

Their arrival was the first time wild beavers had lived in the area for 400 years.

Jim Goldsmith, countryside manager at Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "There has been a lot of hard work, patience and partnership behind this project.

"Seeing Beryl and Bertie settle in so successfully and now raise a kit shows just how powerful nature can be when we create the right conditions."

Praising visitors for their consideration of the pair so far, the Trust added: "Members of the public using the boardwalk and woodland footpath adjoining the enclosure are urged to be quiet and considerate, making sure dogs are on-lead and kept under control."