England's beavers turned dense Dorset woodland into wetland in just one year

A pair of wild beavers released in Dorset have transformed a dense woodland into a bright, wetland habitat within just 12 months of arriving in their new home. Data shared by the National Trust in a press update shows that the animals have changed the landscape by slowing water flow, creating deep pools and opening up the tree canopy. The changes have attracted several native species back to the Purbeck landscape, including otters, barn owls, water rails and rare insects. The beavers were released in March 2025 under the first wild release licence granted by Natural England. The project is part of wider conservation work across the Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve.Landscape architecture in actionAfter exploring the surrounding area, the beaver pair settled near Little Sea, a 33-hectare freshwater lake.