Beavers have been present in an enclosure at Knepp Estate since 2021, and there is an established breeding population in the catchment. In 2026, the Adur expression of interest was invited to proceed to a full licence for free-living Beavers.
The ABWG is a collective of key stakeholders, supporting local people to live alongside Beavers, advising on Beaver management, monitoring Beaver recovery and creating sustainable future populations of free-living Beavers.
They will act as a main point of contact in the Adur, and will work with the Sussex Beaver Advisory Group, to increase knowledge and raise awareness about Beavers, and to enable due diligence around Beaver recovery. Active sub groups will help to work on key areas such as Community engagement and Beaver licences.
The ABWG includes representation from the Environment Agency, Natural England, NFU, CLA, South Downs National Park Authority, Southern Water, South East Water, Sussex Wildlife Trust, National Highways, Weald to Waves, Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, Wild Trout Trust, Angling Trust and many others.
