THE beaver population in Frome is thriving, according to local residents and Natural England, who have confirmed the species are ‘doing well’ in Somerset.
Local resident, Damian Stobie, has reported that beavers are now in three locations around the town. “I don’t want to disclose where they are exactly as there are some people that don’t like the fact they are here, because they can cause damage,” says Damian. “They have only been here for a couple of years now. They are having young, so they must be doing well.
“There’s three of us in particular that like them and go down to the river to see them. We call ourselves the FBP – the Frome Beaver Patrol.”
A member of Frome’s Wild Bunch, Jo Morris said, “In recent years there has been an increase of beaver sightings in the Frome and Avon River catchments. A baseline survey recently undertaken by Natural England confirmed that beaver population is doing very well in Somerset. This is fantastic news. Beavers are a ‘keystone species,’ meaning they have a significant impact on the wider ecosystem as they beaver about!
“Beaver activity leads to enormous benefits for a range of other creatures and plants, and helps to protect and improve the health of wetlands and prevent flooding.”
The update follows a report last year, where two beavers were rescued after being trapped in a storm drain in Frome. Initially, rescuers were called to help two otters who were trapped, however on arrival, they found two beavers instead.
“I just want to celebrate beavers really. I just think it would make for a good message about how they are doing and it’s amazing. It’s just that they may need a little help now again from us all, so keep an eye out,” explains Damian.
Once widespread throughout Britain, beavers were heavily hunted for their fur and scent glands. They became extinct by the beginning of the 16th century and their absence has changed landscapes ever since.
More information about the beaver population and can be found in the recent Somerset State of Nature Report at somersetwildlife.org/stateofnature2023
