The Beavers are Getting Settled

Two beavers are now adjusting to their new home here at Old River Bed Nature Reserve, and they'll really appreciate some peace and quiet while they settle in!

While you're here, please keep the noise down, stay only as long as you need and make sure dogs are kept on-lead and under control.

We know it'll be exciting if you're lucky enough to see one of the beavers. If you do, remember to enjoy from a distance and keep quiet and avoid flash photography to avoid unnecessary stress for the beavers.

Beavers are nocturnal and naturally shy creatures. While they are getting used to their new home, they will be extra sensitive to noises and disturbance.

Think about the last time you moved house - you likely spent time making yourself at home, and there's a good chance you felt a little out of sorts until everything was just right. The beavers are currently settling into their new home and will greatly benefit from the same care and consideration you appreciate when you're settling in somewhere new too!

Beavers play an important role in restoring and managing wetland ecosystems, like the one here at Old River Bed Nature Reserve (ORB).

ORB is managed by Shrewsbury Town Council. The site is swampy and a great wetland habitat for insects, fish, birds and mammals but the ecosystem is impacted by the fast growth of trees such as willow, which would eventually dry the site out and dominate over the swamp plants if left unchecked. Until now, Shrewsbury Town Council has relied on manual management using livestock and contractors, which has come at a high financial cost. Beavers will help to manage the scrubby trees through their ability to "coppice" trees and reduce their impact on the sensitive wetland habitat.