Bringing Beavers Back to Poole Farm
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Plymouth
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March 2025
Supporting the UK’s first urban beaver reintroduction
As part of Together360’s commitment to environmental stewardship, SDS volunteers supported the Green Minds Plymouth Beaver Project at Poole Farm — the UK’s first urban beaver reintroduction initiative. This pioneering project aims to restore natural wetlands, boost biodiversity, and improve natural water management, while giving the public the chance to connect with wildlife in an urban setting.
The Challenge
Reintroducing beavers into an urban environment requires not only habitat restoration but also safe, accessible spaces for the community to learn and engage with the project. Improving infrastructure such as paths and viewing platforms is essential to enable educational groups, ecotherapy sessions, and visitors to experience the beavers’ habitat without disturbing the environment.
Our Approach
In collaboration with Stride Treglown, our volunteers:
– Transported and spread woodchip from the forest to the beaver enclosure viewing platform.
– Improved access paths to ensure safe entry for tours and educational visits.
– Spent time with farm animals and learned about the farm’s broader conservation work.
This hands-on work not only enhanced the visitor experience but also supported the project’s long-term goal of community-led conservation.
“I loved how we all helped each other with the wheelbarrows over the river. My upper body was aching the next day but it was worth it. I loved every minute of it.”
The Impact
Improved access to Poole Farm’s beaver enclosure for educational groups, ecotherapy sessions, and guided tours.
Contributed to a thriving community conservation initiative.
Engaged volunteers in sustainable land management practices.
Why It Matters
By enhancing access to the beaver enclosure, SDS has helped open up one of Plymouth’s most exciting biodiversity projects to more people — allowing them to learn first-hand about rewilding, ecosystem restoration, and the role beavers play in water management. As Plymouth City Council’s Natural Infrastructure Assistant noted, “Their efforts… have greatly enhanced access to the woodland, allowing more people to observe the beavers’ habitat.”
