​​The aim of the project is to establish a family group of beavers as part of a 5-year Enclosed Beaver Trial at Green Gates Nature Reserve and monitor their impact on the various species and habitats which are currently being created and are developing on the nature reserve. The project also aims to provide a local case study with a strong focus on education, allowing people to learn about beavers and see their impact first-hand.​

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​The beavers will be housed in a secure enclosure, and as such, Denbighshire County Council will be responsible for maintaining their welfare. This will be a condition of any licence issued from NRW. 

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​The enclosure will be approximately 24-acres in area, constructed with fencing, including measures put in place to prevent digging and to prevent climbing. Culverts will be utilised within the site with design features to prevent escapes, but allow for the passage of other wildlife up and downstream. Further details are provided within the consultation documents below. As part of the licence, Denbighshire County Council will carry out regular fence checks to ensure that it remains secure throughout the trial. 

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Beavers are a keystone species that have been shown to change their environment and increase biodiversity. The overall aim of the project is that these beavers will significantly increase the abundance and variety of wildlife within the nature reserve.

 

It is anticipated that Denbighshire County Council will be able to move the beavers into the enclosure in the Spring or Summer of 2026. The final date is dependant on the determination period for the licence application, and how quickly the wetland habitats on site establish.

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A public consultation event will be held on 24th September at Denbighshire Tree Nursery, Green Gates Nature Reserve, Cwttir
Lane, St Asaph, LL17 0LF between 3pm and 7pm. We welcome members of the local community to come along and discuss the proposals with members of the project team. Directions to the venue can be found here.

 

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