A new group has launched in Frome with the aim of educating people about the growing population of beavers in the area and the important ecological role they play.
Frome Beaver Watch has been set up by local woman Sophie Ricardo, who, along with other residents, wants to raise awareness, run events and help protect the species in and around the town.
The group follows on from the Frome Beaver Patrol, started by a local man last year, and has already attracted around 14 members who are keeping an eye on beaver activity in local locations.
“There are more beavers around than we think,” said Sophie. “Just seeing them in person is amazing—it really makes you feel connected to nature.”
The first recordings of beavers in Frome were made in 2019, although their exact locations are not disclosed because beavers are a protected species. Recently, the group attended an International Beaver Day event with Somerset Wildlife Trust, which carried out environmental DNA testing in the River Frome to detect and monitor beaver presence.
“It was such a fun day,” said Sophie. “Even if the beaver isn’t present, the testing gives the trust a record that they may be.”
Sophie, who is currently finishing a degree in biology, says the group wants to highlight the many benefits beavers bring. “Beavers have so many ecological benefits, such as helping with the climate and flooding defences. There’s also been research showing they reduce pollution, support agriculture, and even increase insect activity around their habitats.”
She added, “There has also been some research that shows that there has been less wildfire damage with beavers present. American beavers (Castor canadensis) transformed the landscape in just a few years — ponds, dams, and wetlands now help shield it from fire.”
Beavers were hunted to extinction in mainland Britain by the 16th century, but after centuries of absence, they are now making a return.
In the Frome area, members of Frome Beaver Watch monitor local sightings in places such as Longleat, Mells, Bruton and Witham Friary. They are keen to share the benefits that beavers can have on the town and the community.
With a lot of ideas in the works to celebrate and conserve the species, Sophie says she is excited about moving the group forward.
“It is a varied group and we are currently in the stages of trying to make it a bit more legitimate,” she said. “A big help has been given by Liz Scott from Frome Frog and Toad Patrol and Gemma Annan from Frome Families for the Future.”
Frome Beaver Watch is open to all local residents. For more information, visit their Facebook or Instagram pages.
