With the recent birth of another kit there are now eight beavers living in woodland at Forty Hall

The new beavers viewing platform and (inset) a beaver — The new viewing platform and (inset) a beaver

A new viewing platform has been launched at Enfield’s beaver enclosure, while public tours are also set to launch next month.

Enfield Council and Capel Manor College last year received £50,000 from City Hall’s new Rewild London Fund to support the expansion of the beaver reintroduction project, which was a first for the capital when it launched in March 2022.

The original enclosure at Archers Wood, part of Forty Hall Farm, has now been enlarged by one hectare, with new ponds created and a viewing platform also added for visitors. There’s now even a beaver trail for people to follow and paid-for guided tours will start in August.

Enfield’s beavers were first introduced three years ago but the project endured a difficult first year with the deaths of two animals, before a replacement pair flourished and began their family. A new kit was born recently, taking the size of the family to eight beavers.

The rewilding project is designed not only to reintroduce a native species to London after 400 years but to help provide natural flood management and improved wildlife habitats.

Deputy council leader Tim Leaver said: “We’re pleased to see the beaver family doing so well, and even more excited to be able to welcome the public into the heart of the enclosure. This expansion supports our wider ambitions for nature recovery and sustainable flood management across the borough.”

Capel Manor College principal Peter Brammall added: “Seeing the beaver family thriving here in Enfield is incredibly inspiring. For our students, staff, and visitors, it shows how rewilding projects can transform landscapes, enrich education, and reconnect people with nature right on their doorstep.”

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