For the first time in over 400 years, a beaver has been born in Northumberland, England.
The birth follows the release of a family of Eurasian beavers at Wallington Estate last year.
“We are thrilled that after an absence of around 400 years we now have beavers back and breeding at Wallington," said Helen McDonald, the National Trust’s Lead Ranger at Wallington.
“This spring we’ve had our eyes glued to trail camera footage, looking out for signs of breeding and to see whether the adult female beaver was lactating.
"It’s such a relief that they have bred successfully and to see a new fluffy kit swimming with the family, we know now they must feel at home here at Wallington."
The family of Eurasian beavers were released on the 5,431-hectare National Trust estate last year to help re-establish populations cross the county – and Britain more widely – following their extinction in the 16th-century.
Often nicknamed 'ecosystem engineers', the large rodents can help restore 'at risk' habitats, allowing other wildlife to thrive. Beavers also play an important role in creating habitats that are more resilient to the effects of climate change, for example flooding events and drought.
“Since welcoming the family of beavers to Wallington the resulting impact on the water environment has been nothing short of astonishing," said Paul Hewitt, Countryside Manager for the National Trust at Wallington.
“As a keystone species we have watched with keen interest as beavers do what beavers do, expertly altering their river environment to the massive benefit of other species. With the development of dams, we are starting to see the benefits of beavers in slowing water flows and making the flood plain more resilient to future climate change."
In just one year, there has been a noticeable increase in resident trout, says the National Trust, along with more regular visits from kingfishers and grey herons. There are more insects at the site, too, thanks to the organic matter that builds up behind the dams, which in turn provides food for Daubenton’s bats.
Wallington's beavers are looked after by a team of over 25 National Trust volunteers, who work alongside the ranger team, checking fences and monitoring the wellbeing of the animals.
Their tasks will now include monitoring the new kit’s progress.
The team are hopeful that the growing wetlands will see even more species diversification at Wallington in the coming months and years.
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