Wild beaver activity has been officially confirmed in Cumbria.
The discovery follows earlier signs of beaver activity recorded outside the Lowther enclosure in the Eden catchment during 2025.
There is evidence the beavers do not originate from the Lowther enclosure and must have been released illegally. Their origins are not known.
Cumbria Connect and its partner organisations were not involved in the release of these animals.
Martin Varley, programme manager for Cumbria Connect said: “Cumbria Connect does not support illegal wildlife releases and believes species recovery must take place through responsible, licensed and transparent processes involving local communities, statutory agencies and land managers.”
Until recently, there had been only occasional anecdotal reports of beaver activity across Cumbria and this is the first acknowledged wild population in the county.
The presence of the animals has not previously been publicised in order to avoid disturbance from people.
Discussions have been taking place with Natural England and relevant partners about the most responsible way forward.
Cumbria Connect said the increasing numbers of confirmed beaver signs, tracks and sightings across the Lowther catchment meant it was appropriate to make the people aware of their presence.
Martin added: “The presence of a protected wild beaver population means we now need to focus on how we manage this situation responsibly and collaboratively.
“We recognise there will be questions and concerns from local communities and land managers, which is why engagement and consultation will be central to any future proposals.”
Following confirmation of the wild population, Cumbria Connect has stepped in to work with Natural England and other partners to explore a long-term approach to managing the situation, including the development of a full wild release licence application to ensure this population is properly supported and managed.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the beavers or the developing proposals can contact Cumbria Connect at [email protected]
