Dam Engineers | Revisited

For the past few years Holnicote Estate, Exmoor National Park, has been home to furry inhabitants engineering a solution to local flooding, and developing a habitat not seen in the UK for centuries.   In this episode we revisit the site to check in on its charismatic residents. And discover the exciting news of a growing brood of babies, just in time for Christmas.   Learn more about Holnicote Estate and take a 360 degree tour of the beaver enclosure, which features trail camera footage of the beavers’ everyday lives.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holnicote-virtual-tour For more information about beavers visit nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/nature/wildlife/our-guide-to-beavers  Thank you for listening to Series 7 of the National Trust Podcast and look out for the launch of our new series in early 2024. You can contact the National Trust audio team at [email protected]  Auto Generated Additional Information: Introduction: - The episode revisits the topic of beavers and their impact on flood management and the environment. - Hosts Kate Martin and Ben Eardley explore the changes that have occurred in the wetlands since their last visit. - They discuss the reintroduction of beavers and their role in creating wetlands and reducing flooding downstream. Main Topics Discussed: 1. The impact of natural features on climate concerns in the area. 2. Working with nature to benefit downstream communities. 3. Reconnecting rivers and streams with the surrounding landscape. 4. The role of beavers in natural flood management. 5. The changes observed in the wetlands since the reintroduction of beavers. 6. Exciting news about the growing beaver colony, including the birth of kits. Key Takeaways: - Natural features in the area contribute to climate concerns and flooding. - Reconnecting rivers and streams with the landscape can help reduce flooding downstream. - Beavers play a crucial role in natural flood management and increasing biodiversity. - The reintroduction of beavers has led to the creation of wetlands and the return of lost wildlife. - Beavers have made significant changes to the environment in a relatively short period. - The birth of beaver kits is a positive sign of the thriving beaver colony. Guests: - Ben Eardley: Flood engineer and guide. - Chryssa Brown: Discusses the interest in beaver reintroduction for natural flood management. - Jack Siviter: Beaver expert at Holnicote, provides updates on the beaver colony and the birth of kits. Other Information: - The podcast explores the impact of beavers on flood management and the environment. - The hosts visit the wetlands to observe the changes since their last visit. - Camera traps are used to monitor the beaver colony. - The birth of beaver kits is a significant milestone in the reintroduction efforts. - The beavers are actively creating wetlands and stashing food for the winter. Overall, the episode highlights the positive impact of beavers on flood management, biodiversity, and the environment. The hosts and guests discuss the changes observed in the wetlands and the exciting news of the beaver kits.