Wild Beavers confirmed in the Eden Catchment

May 2026

Cumbria Connect has confirmed that evidence gathered has identified the presence of wild Beavers on the River Lowther in the Eden Catchment.  

The discovery follows earlier signs of Beaver activity recorded outside the Lowther enclosure during 2025.  Natural England has confirmed the animals are now considered a protected wild population under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017.

This marks the first acknowledged wild Beaver population in Cumbria.

 

Key points

  • The animals are believed to originate from illegal and unauthorised releases.
  • Cumbria Connect and partner organisations were not involved in the release.
  • The animals are now legally protected as a wild population.
  • Cumbria Connect is working with Natural England and partners on a responsible and constructive way forward.

As a protected species, it is an offence to deliberately capture, injure, kill or disturb the animals, or damage their resting places, without an appropriate licence.

There is evidence the Beavers do not originate from the Lowther enclosure and must have been released illegally.  Their origins are not known.

Cumbria Connect and its partner organisations were not involved in the release of these animals.

Martin Varley, Programme Manager for Cumbria Connect, said:

““Cumbria Connect does not support illegal wildlife releases and believes species recovery must take place through responsible, licensed and transparent processes involving local communities, statutory agencies and land managers.” 

 

A responsible way forward

Until recently, there had been only occasional anecdotal reports of Beaver activity across Cumbria, but this confirmation marks the first acknowledged wild population in the county.

The presence of the animals has not previously been publicised in order to avoid disturbance from the general public.  Meanwhile discussions have been taking place with Natural England and relevant partners about the most responsible way forward.  Increasing numbers of confirmed Beaver signs, tracks and sightings across the Lowther catchment now mean Cumbria Connect believes it is appropriate to make the public aware of their presence.

Martin Varley, added:

“The presence of a protected wild Beaver population means we now need to focus on how we manage this situation responsibly and collaboratively.

“We recognise there will be questions and concerns from local communities and land managers, which is why engagement and consultation will be central to any future proposals.”

Following confirmation of the wild population, Cumbria Connect has stepped in to work with Natural England and other partners to explore a constructive and responsible long-term approach to managing the situation.  This includes the development of a full wild release licence application to ensure this population is properly supported and managed.

 

Beaver management resources

Useful information about Beaver ecology, management and coexistence can be found through the following organisations:

Please give Beavers space

Beavers are a protected species.

It is an offence to deliberately disturb, injure, capture or kill Beavers, or damage their resting places, without an appropriate licence.

If you encounter Beaver activity, please observe from a distance and avoid disturbing dams, lodges or burrows.

Questions or concerns?

Anyone with questions or concerns about the Beavers or the developing proposals can email Cumbria Connect at beavers@connectfornature.org.uk

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