Bringing Beavers Back to Ealing

• Organisation name: Citizen Zoo 
• Grant awarded: £39,154 
• Total project cost: £116,544 
• Area: Ealing  
• Project aim: To reintroduce beavers in Ealing after 400 years 

Following the successful reintroduction of beavers to Enfield in 2022, Ealing’s Paradise Fields was identified as a suitable site for another potential release. Low-lying meadow and wetland provide plentiful habitat for beavers, who help to manage flood risk and improve climate resilience.

A mated pair of Eurasian beavers who already had kits were released into the park. Over 100 people attended the site of the release, and the beaver family quickly got to work, building five dams on the site within five months. 

Due to the popularity and urban nature of the site, it was crucial to engage the local community in sessions and training. This reduced fear and increased understanding, and empowered Londoners with the skills and knowledge to protect local wildlife. Interpretation boards were installed to help visitors understand how beavers would be changing the park around them.  

With the Capital Ring walking route passing through the site, it was important to maintain visitor access without the risk of a beaver escape. Airlock gates were installed at entry points to reduce this possibility. 

• Even very urban settings can be rewilded and become havens for biodiversity 

• Engaging the community can help sustain the project through volunteering, and generates momentum and enthusiasm for future reintroductions