A pair of Eurasian beavers were released at Hatchmere Nature Reserve on the edge of Delamere Forest in November 2020 after being driven to extinction over 400 years ago.

Kev Feeney, Hatchmere Living Landscape Officer says:

“We’ve had such a great response to our beaver project so far. It’s great to see people really taking an interest in them and excited to see how they’re settling in. Our cameras are catching some amazing footage and we’re really able to see their individual personalities shining through. The female is very nosey and spends most of the night dragging material to add to their lodge. The male is always on patrol of their home, walking with purpose and regularly stopping to sniff the air.

“We can’t wait to hear what creative names people come up with. We’re so glad people can continue being part of bringing beavers back to Cheshire.”

The winning names will be picked by Kev who is leading the beaver project at Hatchmere. One name will be chosen from entries sent in by local schools and the other from entries from the general public.

Name our beavers

Bringing beavers back to Cheshire is part of an ambitious five-year project that aims to prove that beavers are fantastic for nature in the UK. Wildlife Trust supporters have raised just over half of the £85,000 required, however £42,000 is still needed to look after the beavers and monitor the effect they’re having on Hatchmere’s wetlands.

The Trust are encouraging people to get their thinking caps on and come up with interesting and creative names for the pair: one male and one female. The closing date for entries is Wednesday 31^st March 2021 and the winning names will be announced on Wednesday 7^th April 2021 – International Beaver Day.

Entry to the competition is free, however people are still able to be part of bringing beavers back to Cheshire by making a donation. Donations will fund regular health checks for the animals, surveying for new wildlife the beavers are bringing back, more cameras to capture all the exciting beaver behaviour and training for volunteers to help look after the pair. Donations can be made through the website.

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