Beaver release going swimmingly in Northumberland

The first baby beaver to be born in Northumberland in 400 years

The National Trust has announced the birth of the first beaver to be born in Northumberland in 400 years.

The baby, known as a kit, arrived less than a year after beavers were released at the National Trust estate in Wallington.

The beavers were released to help restore 'at risk' habitats and benefit the nature of the area.

The kit who is believed to have been born in late May, has now been captured on camera, taking a swim.

The baby is part of a family of Eurasian beavers who were released on the 5,431 hectare estate by the conservation charity in July 2023.

A team of more than 25 National Trust volunteers help look after the beavers and they have been on the lookout for any new arrivals.

Helen McDonald, the National Trust’s Lead Ranger at Wallington said: “We are thrilled that after an absence of around 400 years we now have beavers back and breeding at Walling

“We’ll continue to monitor the family to check on their health and condition and follow the new kit’s progress.”

Beaver fact file:

What do you know about beavers?

• Beavers are the second largest living rodent

• They are herbivores, which means they eat plants

• Beavers can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes

• They often store food underwater so they can access it if the water freezes over in the winter

• Eurasian beavers can reach 750-100cm in length as adults (excluding tail) and weigh around 20-30kg.