Beaver Surveys
What are Beaver Surveys?
Beavers are a legally protected species in England and Scotland, with protection covering both the animals and their structures, such as dams and lodges. As a result, works affecting watercourses, riparian habitats or floodplains may require beaver surveys to establish presence and inform appropriate mitigation. Early survey input helps identify potential constraints and ensures projects can be planned and delivered in line with current legislation.
Beaver Habitat & Activity Assessment
Once extinct in the UK, beavers have been reintroduced through a combination of licensed releases and natural population expansion. As a result, they are now becoming increasingly widespread across a growing number of catchments. This means that beavers are now a species that needs to be considered as part of ecological assessments for watercourse-related works, particularly where suitable habitat is present.
Beaver surveys typically involve a detailed assessment of the riparian corridor, extending up to 50 metres from the banks of a watercourse. Surveys focus on identifying field signs of beaver activity, including dams, lodges, feeding signs, latrines and scent mounds, as well as assessing how beavers are using the surrounding habitat.
Survey Results & Mitigation Guidance
The optimal time for beaver surveys is generally between October and March, when vegetation levels are lower and signs are easier to detect, although surveys should avoid periods of high water levels which can limit access and visibility.
The findings of our beaver surveys are presented in a clear and comprehensive report, setting out survey results, evaluating the potential impacts of proposed works and providing proportionate recommendations to support planning or delivery of works.
Why choose Whitcher Wildlife for Beaver Surveys?
Whitcher Wildlife Ltd has team members with specialist training and experience in all aspects of beaver survey and assessment. We have ecologists who hold CL51 licences, allowing them to lawfully modify or remove beaver dams, burrows and lodges where works fall within the conditions of the licence. This enables us to support watercourse and infrastructure projects efficiently while ensuring compliance with current legislation.