Film screening to explore beaver, rivers and future of our ecosystems

A powerful new documentary exploring the complex relationship between beavers, fish migration and wider ecosystem health is due to be screened at the Merlin Theatre next month.

‘Balancing the Scales’ is the work of award-winning filmmaker Nina Constable and will be shown at the Merlin Theatre on Friday 19th September at 7pm as a preview of the film, which is set to be released in October.

The screening is being organised by Frome Town Council and Frome Beaver Watch. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with Cllr Sara Butler, Dr Rob Needham, Restoration Manager at Beaver Trust and a key expert featured in the film, alongside local voices including Sophie Ricardo from Frome Beaver Watch and Martin Blain from the Frome and District Angling Association.

Through candid interviews with leading experts, the documentary sheds light on the opportunities and challenges that come with beaver reintroduction.

Sophie Ricardo from Frome Beaver Watch said, “In Frome, we’ve already seen that where beavers thrive, life flourishes. It’s never been more important to bring nuance to the conversation about these incredible ecosystem engineers. Balancing the Scales offers a stunning, artful reminder of how we can coexist and create healthier landscapes together – after all, Frome gives a dam.”

Dr Rob Needham of Beaver Trust added, “This documentary demonstrates that beaver-driven habitat restoration and conservation of migratory fish populations need not be at odds. By exploring the latest research in Britain and learning from on-the-ground experiences in countries like Norway and North America, ‘Balancing The Scales’ helps us understand how we can move beyond conflicts and work towards healthier, more resilient ecosystems together.”

The event is designed to encourage open, informed conversation about coexistence and conservation. With beavers increasingly present in local waterways, the screening aims to bring clarity and connection to a subject of growing public interest.

Frome Town Councillor Sara Butler said, “We know that Frome is a town that deeply values its wild spaces and the conversations that help us understand and protect them. ‘Balancing the Scales’ is a stunning and timely documentary exploring the role of beavers in restoring ecosystems. It invites us to reflect on how we coexist with nature, particularly with beavers, whose return is sparking both excitement and questions locally. It’s a chance to hear from leading voices, share perspectives, and explore how we can create landscapes that are thriving for both people and wildlife.”

Tickets for the screening are £5 per person and can be booked via the Merlin Theatre at www.bit.ly/balancingthescalesscreening   

Pictured: Beaver kit (Credit Craig Morris from the Frome Nature Photography Group @craigmorris101 on Instagram)