Beaver found at Cornwall's Helman Tor nature reserve

The charity has asked the public not to look for the beaver

At least one wild beaver has been found at a Cornish nature reserve, after a sighting by a member of the public.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust confirmed that at least one beaver was at Helman Tor nature reserve, near Lostwithiel, and said there could be more.

The charity said the beaver may have arrived through natural dispersal, but an unlicensed release by "an unknown third party" was "more likely".

The trust's Cheryl Marriott said she was surprised by the arrival.

'Suitable for beavers'

Ms Marriott, director of nature and people, said: "We know Helman Tor is highly suitable for beavers and that they would benefit other wildlife and help towards reducing flood risk further downstream.

"However, we also know some people have legitimate worries about beavers returning to our landscape, and we have been meeting them to understand their concerns and plan how to manage any future issues.

"This is not how we wanted a beaver reintroduction to happen at Helman Tor. We do not condone the unlicensed release of beavers.

"Their arrival at Helman Tor has taken everyone by surprise, but we are ready to monitor them and work with others to manage any problems."

At least one wild beaver has been discovered at Helman Tor nature reserve

Helman Tor had been identified by national experts as a suitable site for beaver reintroduction, due to the amount of streams and vegetation.

The trust said a beaver management group had been set up in Cornwall to help land managers and others to prepare for the return of wild beavers.

The charity has asked the public not to look for the beaver, to avoid disturbing it.

Lauren Jasper, beaver officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said members of the public were unlikely to see the beaver due to its nocturnal nature.

She said: "We recommend staying on the footpaths at Helman Tor, as the ground can be uneven and it is easy to get lost in the big wetland areas."