Beavers and Butterflies: Summer Special Ep 6, Part 1 - Beavers

In this special two-part summer episode, we journey into the heart of West Devon and then travel back to East Cornwall exploring two remarkable species that are helping to shape our landscapes and inspire nature recovery efforts across the region.

In part 1 we visit a Devon Wildlife Trust beaver trial site, where we’re joined by Matt Holden, the Trust’s Beaver Project Lead, and Mark Elliott, an ecological consultant with decades of experience in beaver reintroduction and management. Together, we explore what it means to be “beaver ready” as wild populations begin to return to our river catchments. We discuss the biodiversity and climate resilience benefits of beaver activity, the lessons learned from the Devon trial, and how these insights are influencing national policy. Along the way, we unpack common myths, shifting public perceptions, and how beavers can help us reconnect with the wild rhythms of nature.

From the engineering marvels of beavers to the fleeting beauty of butterflies, this two part episode celebrates the power of nature to restore, inspire, and connect us all. To learn more about the projects and organisations featured in part 1 visit the websites below.

Links

Beavers | Devon Wildlife Trust

Homepage - Beaver Trust

Cornwall Beaver Project | Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Wild release and management of beavers in England - GOV.UK

Beaver wild release: a milestone for nature recovery in England – Natural England

Your host

Ginnette Sutherland, Community Engagement Officer (intern), Tamar Valley National Landscape/Tamara Landscape Partnership Scheme (National Lottery Heritage Fund supported)

Our guests

Matt Holden – Devon Wildlife Trust Beaver Project Lead                                        Mark Elliot – Ecological consultant specialising in beaver reintroduction and management

With thanks

Thank you to Ross Sinclair and Jim Baldwin from Fotonow FOTONOW CIC - Fotonow CIC for their technical support.

Production

This podcast has been brought to you from Tamar Valley National Landscape, one of 46 National Landscapes throughout the UK that work in partnership to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of these protected landscapes. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1995, the Tamar Valley’s special qualities are;

• A rare valley and water landscape
• A landscape of high visual quality
• A unique wildlife resource
• A remarkable heritage
• A landscape of artistic and public appeal

The podcast has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund supported Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme, a project of Tamar Valley National Landscape, that aims to create a brighter future for the Tamar Valley and its communities, by creating opportunities and positive change through a programme of 10 exciting projects.

Tamara Landscape Partnership scheme - https://tamaralandscapepartnership.org.uk/

Tamar Valley National Landscape - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/

Tamar Valley National Landscape’s Nature Recovery Plan 2023-2030 - https://www.tamarvalley-nl.org.uk/our-work/projects/nature-recovery-plan/

University of Derby

• Natural Connectedness research - https://www.derby.ac.uk/research/themes/zero-carbon/zero-carbon-nbs-research-centre/nature-connectedness-research-group/
• Nature Connected Communities Handbook Growing community nature connectedness: A new handbook for growing human-nature community relationships. | Finding Nature.

Wildlife Equipment – we have a range of surveying equipment that you can borrow to find out what’s visiting your garden or community space. Please contact bryony.james@cornwall.gov.uk for further details.

Contact us

Email: enquiries@tamarvalley.org.uk

Social media: @tamarvalleynl – find us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn