London went from two beavers to 18 in four years

Beavers were absent from London for more than 400 years before two were reintroduced in Enfield in 2022. A second family was released at Paradise Fields in Ealing in 2023. Ealing now has 10 beavers, after two kits were confirmed this summer.

The projects are part of London’s rewilding efforts. Beavers reshape the places where they live by building dams and creating wetlands, which provide habitat for other species and can help slow floodwater.

And there may soon be more. Beavers are due to be reintroduced at Eastbrookend Country Park in Barking & Dagenham in 2027. Croydon is also exploring a reintroduction at South Norwood Country Park.

Update, 1 Sep 2026: After publication, the Ealing Beaver Project confirmed that two kits were born this summer, bringing its population from eight to 10. I updated the London total from 16 to 18 and revised the visual and methodology.

Data and methodology:
The 2022 figure is the two beavers released in Enfield that March. For 2026, I combined the most recent population figures for London’s two established reintroduction sites. Enfield Council counted eight in July 2025. The Enfield enclosure is licensed for up to eight beavers, with surplus animals to be relocated. The Ealing Beaver Project confirmed by email on 1 September 2026 that Paradise Fields now has 10 beavers, including two kits confirmed this summer. I therefore use 18 as the best available figure for London in 2026.

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