'Special year' as first beavers in Northamptonshire for 400 years draw thousands of visitors to wetlands near Rushden Lakes
This year saw the return of beavers to Northamptonshire for the first time in 400 years.
Back in February, a family of eight beavers arrived from Scotland and set up home at the Nene Wetlands.
They have settled in well, including adding to their numbers and leaving their mark around the site near Rushden Lakes.
Ben Casey from the Wildlife Trust said: “2025 has been a very special one for us here at the trust and will always be remembered as the year beavers returned to Northamptonshire.
"They have been very busy in recent weeks increasing the number of trees they bring down and the amount of bark stripped as they fatten up and store food in preparation for the winter.
"Eight beavers were released at Delta Pit in the Nene Wetlands in February and since then two more kits have arrived.
"The family of ten is now mum and dad Boudica and Alan and their young Willow, Pine, Juniper, Hazel, Rowan, Holly, Ash and Maple.
"Thousands of people have visited the site in 2025 hoping to catch a glimpse of the new arrivals and we have had so much interest with our staff at the Nene Wetlands running walks and talks, answering questions and helping the public learn more about these amazing animals.
"We hope they’ve inspired everyone who has visited to care for nature and support conservation.”
The beavers were released in February with help from experts at the Beaver Trust after four years of planning by the Wildlife Trust conservation team.
The project has been supported by Anglian Water through its Get River Positive fund as well as a public appeal.