Try GOLD - Free
Beavers released to help restore river and wetland
Western Morning News
|February 11, 2026
BEAVERS have been legally released at two sites in Somerset as part of efforts to restore a river and wetland.
-
One release involved a mother and her three children, while the other involved a pair of Eurasian beavers.
They were released across the National Trust's Holnicote Estate on Exmoor in Somerset on Tuesday.
Natural England granted the charity its second licence to release the species into the wild.
The first wild release took place on the National Trust's Purbeck Estate in Dorset in March.
In 2020, beavers were introduced into enclosed areas of the Holnicote Estate.
Ben Eardley, project manager at the National Trust, said: “This is incredibly exciting and is the latest step in our ambitions to restore a huge swathe of Somerset countryside and moorland to help bring back nature.
This story is from the February 11, 2026 edition of Western Morning News.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Western Morning News
Western Morning News
'I believe he chose that day to die on'
A PATIENT at a mental health hospital died on the 20th anniversary of his wife's death so their children would “only have to grieve one day a year”, an inquest heard.
2 mins
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
'Shame' over crackdown as Iran marks 1979 Islamic Revolution
IRAN has marked the 47th anniversary of its 1979 Islamic Revolution as the country’s theocracy remains under pressure.
1 min
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
New robotic surgery 'a landmark moment'
CORNWALL'S main hospital will finally be able to operate a robot surgeon, meaning some patients will no longer have to travel to Derriford Hospital for treatment.
1 mins
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
Experts explain why we had rain 40 days running
THE first few weeks of the year have been exceptionally wet, with 26 weather stations across the UK setting new monthly rainfall records in January.
3 mins
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
Motor yacht impresses judges at maritime awards ceremony
Cockwells' new Hardy 45 European
1 min
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
More water investigators to tackle pollution crisis
THE Environment Agency (EA) said it has increased its water enforcement workforce to record levels as part of efforts to tackle the pollution crisis.
2 mins
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
Kane in line to make his first start
TOM Cleverley has indicated that Herbie Kane is likely to be in contention to make his first start for Plymouth Argyle away to Leyton Orient next Tuesday.
1 mins
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
Science park names new chief executive as it seeks to expand
EXETER Science Park has appointed a new chief executive to lead the organisation as it embarks on the next phase of its development.
1 mins
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
What do you think?
Are large-scale nuclear power plant 'utter madness'? Join the debate by emailing wmnletters@westernmorningnews.co.uk and including your name and address
1 min
February 12, 2026
Western Morning News
Dairy’s Cheddar cheese enjoys US export success
DEVON'’S Millbrook Dairy has reported strong international momentum for its premium Scottish Mature Cheddar, 1057, following rapid growth in sales and nationwide distribution across the United States.
2 mins
February 12, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size