Nature recovery in action - being a beaver

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, 25 November 2022
Nature recovery in action - being a beaver
Leaky dam building, Wilder Ouse project © Sam Buckland

By Sophie Atkinson

Wilder Landscapes Support Officer

It was only my third week as Wilder Landscapes Support Officer when I ventured out into the Sussex landscape for my first working party experience. I didn’t know what to expect, although the advice to wear large wellies and waterproof clothing gave me a hint as to what might be in store. Travelling through country lanes in the Sussex Wildlife Trust van, it appeared we had been blessed with the one day of sun that week. Of course, the lack of rain didn’t mean we wouldn’t be getting wet…

Leaky dam © Sam Buckland
Leaky dam © Sam Buckland

The role of this working party was to install leaky dams on a landholding in Pulborough, as part of the Wilder Horsham District project. What’s a leaky dam, I hear you ask. A leaky dam is a structure made from all natural materials (that are usually harvested from the site where the dams are built) that is designed to slow the flow of water and alter the watercourse. By altering the flow of water in the area, leaky dams increase the flood resilience of that area, and allow more water to be held back, creating pockets of wetland. Wetland is one of the most threatened and diverse habitats, therefore by creating new pockets of wetland the leaky dams are boosting biodiversity and enabling vulnerable species to thrive.

Beaver © David Parkyn Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Beaver © David Parkyn Cornwall Wildlife Trust

The role of leaky dam building was historically held by Beavers. Beavers are known as ecosystem engineers because their iconic dam building behaviour is so important for the ecosystem that exists around them. Their absence has altered the landscape in Sussex, and not in a good way. The Wilder Horsham District and Sussex Flow Initiative projects have installed hundreds of leaky dams throughout Sussex to mimic the role of Beavers, and we hope that one day soon the Beavers will be allowed to return and take back their role.

Our leaky dam nature recovery work is made possible through volunteers offering their time and tree chopping muscle to the cause. If you fancy trying out what it’s like being a Beaver, please contact our Volunteer Development Team on 01273 497500 or email [email protected]. We promise we’ll supply the tools, you don’t have to use your teeth!

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