Western Rother Beaver Group
Supporting landowners and communities should Beavers return to the Western Rother catchment
Beavers returning to the Western Rother area - have your say – Fill in form
Beavers are known as ecosystem engineers. By making small changes in their environment such as damming small water courses and coppicing trees, Beavers create natural wetlands which support a huge variety of other wildlife.
In the 16th century these industrious creatures were hunted to extinction for their meat, fur and scent glands. The loss of Beavers from our countryside in turn led to the loss of naturally boggy and wet areas, with a knock-on effect to the wildlife who depend on these habitats for food and shelter.
A landscape scale Beaver reintroduction programme is now underway.
In March 2025, the UK Government announced that it is now possible to release beavers into the wild in England with the appropriate licensing obtained through Natural England. Until this point beavers have only been allowed to be released in fenced areas in England.
An expression of interest to release Beavers in the Western Rother catchment has been made, and Natural England have requested further information before a formal application for a license can be submitted. To support this application the Western Rother Beaver Group (WRBG) has been formed, including representatives from the Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group - SouthEast, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Natural England, NFU, RSPB, South Downs National Park Authority, Southern Water, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Weald to Waves, Western Sussex Rivers Trust, Wild Trout Trust and the Beaver Trust.
Working together the WRBG will collect evidence to demonstrate how the Western Rother catchment could be a potential area for a Beaver release. The group will also act as the main point of contact for community support throughout the potential Beaver release project, and will liaise closely with the Sussex Beaver Advisory group, sharing knowledge and raising awareness about the project.
You can read the full Terms of Reference to understand more about this group.
Engagement events
Beavers in the Western Rother - Open Day
On Wednesday 17 June between 10am-4pm, there will be a drop-in Beavers in the Western Rother Open Day at the South Downs Centre in Midhurst. This is open to anyone, we're particularly keen to engage with farmers, landowners, fishing groups and other key stakeholders in the Western Rother area and also in the Upper and Lower Arun catchments. It will be a chance to meet members of the Western Rother Beaver Group to raise any concerns as well as discuss potential opportunities.
Press release: Have Your Say About Beavers Returning to the Western Rother
On the same day, from 7-9pm there will be a film screening of Balancing the Scales, and a panel discussion with Dr Rob Needham from the Beaver Trust and David Oakley from the Wild Trout Trust. Booking for the film night is here: Film Night: Balancing the Scales Tickets, Wednesday, June 17 • 7 PM - 9 PM | Eventbrite
Beaver enclosure visits
A series of site visits have been planned to local beaver enclosure projects. This will be a chance to see the impact of beavers and to meet members of the WRBG to share any concerns or discuss opportunities. Please note a max of 2 places per landowner / booking as places are limited and booking up quickly.