Huge National Interest as Beavers Released in Paradise Fields
Species back in Greenford for the first time in 400 years
The beaver family took quickly to its new habitat
October 12, 2023
There was huge press interest in the release of beavers at Paradise Fields this Wednesday (11 October) as the local project to reintroduce the species reached its culmination.
A family of five Eurasian beavers, Europe’s largest rodent, had been brought from Scotland to the wetlands in Greenford. It is hoped the colony will establish itself and result in the return of beavers to west London for the first time in 400 years.
As well as the press pack which included television cameras, the Mayor of London was present to witness the release of the animals for a project which it is hoped will both improve biodiversity and reduce flood risk in the Greenford area. The release attracte media coverage across the UK.
The project that was led by environmental charity Citizen Zoo and the Ealing Wildlife Group (EWG), with support from Friends of Horsenden Hill, Ealing Council and the Beaver Trust, was part funded by the mayor's Rewild London Fund.
There was a great deal of excitement prior to the beavers being let out but the group seemed to take to its new home very quickly. Dr Sean McCormack, vet and Chair of Ealing Wildlife Group said immediately afterwards, “My heart is still going. That was a tense moment and we were, like, hoping nothing would go wrong and it went absolutely amazingly, they looked very happy, everything went to plan. We are just delighted to have this family of beavers here back in London.”
The Mayor and the press watch on as the release takes place
The area will be closed to the public for a month to allow the colony to settle in, but it is hoped that, after that, the public will be allowed to see the beavers on escorted visits.
Water levels in the area will be monitored to measure the impact of the beavers and as they change the local environment projects to reintroduce other species such as water voles will be considered.
Sadiq Khan said, "I'm proud that we are turning London into a wildlife haven, as well as making the city more resilient to the effects of climate change."
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