Twilight Beaver Watch

This is a rare opportunity to join a small group for a twilight beaver watch and experience the magic of seeing these remarkable animals living wild. You’ll enjoy a peaceful and immersive evening watching wildlife emerge as day turns to night.

Our thriving beaver family has really made themselves at home on site at Heal Somerset, establishing an impressive lodge and building a network of dams. They have been busy transforming the landscape in extraordinary ways and they are creating thriving wetlands that support a wealth of wildlife, improve water quality and increase biodiversity. 

Full disclosure: beavers are often seen from the viewing area, so there's a good chance that you'll see at least one, but we can't guarantee it. But even if you don't, you will learn lots about them as well as witness their hard work whilst spending valuable time in nature.

Each beaver watch will be carefully led by experienced wildlife guide Nick Patel. His respectful approach will minimise disturbance as the beavers' wellbeing is always the priority. We ask that all attendees follow this approach.

About your workshop leader, Nick Patel:

Nick is a tour guide, conservationist, naturalist and birder and is passionate about helping to protect, create and maintain British wildlife. A lifelong Birdwatcher, and former Nature reserve Warden, Nick has devoted his life to shouting about how amazing our native biodiversity is and just why we should care for it.

Nick says "Having led tours here at Heal Somerset for two years now, I’ve witnessed first-hand the speed at which nature has already made a comeback. I’m super passionate about showing everyone who visits the site the wealth of wildlife bouncing back, including some really beautiful species and fabulous rewilding habitats."

LOCATION

Heal Somerset is in a very rural location, a few miles from Bruton, Frome, the A303 and the Wiltshire border, at Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH. Directions will be sent in a confirmation email.

TIMINGS

Timings will vary for each event depending on twilight. You will meet Nick at the advertised start time for an introductory talk and then head to the river for a quiet watch. Refreshments will be provided.

Photo credit for beaver pics: Abi Rowley (main pic) and Pete Matthews

CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Please wear dark clothing if possible to minimise the likelihood of beavers seeing you. Please bring a camping or outdoor chair with you, as well as a flask so you can have a hot drink while you keep watch and you might want to bring a knee rug if it is forecast to be cool. We recommend you bring binoculars for this walk, if you don't have any you could use, please let us know ahead of the day.

It is likely to be wet underfoot so we recommend that you wear wellingtons, sturdy waterproof shoes or walking boots suitable for rough, uneven ground. If the forecast is wet, bring a waterproof jacket and a hat and dress warmly.

[We give this level of detail to encourage wider participation in our events by people who may be unfamiliar with being out in nature and we hope this is useful for them as well as a reminder to those already aware.]

ACCESSIBILITY

Unfortunately the event is not wheelchair accessible and the path down to the viewing area is very uneven.

If you have any questions about accessibility please email events@healrewilding.org.uk.

OTHER THINGS

Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel this walk and either refund you or book you into an alternative date. This would be due to a very poor weather forecast or illness and will be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

Please note, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.

Children and babies

Children over 14 are welcome on the walk. The walk is not suitable for babies as the group has to remain completely quiet while in the observation area.

Dogs

We normally welcome assistance dogs but because beavers are a protected species that we can't disturb, we can't allow any dogs at the event unfortunately.

Supporting Heal

Please note, the proceeds from your ticket price will go towards supporting the work of Heal.

You'll also have the chance to become a Friend of Heal and to donate to support our work.

Special ticketing

If you are unwaged, a student or living on a very low income and the cost of attending is prohibitive, please email events@healrewilding.org.uk as we may be able to support your attendance. Please note this may not always be possible.

Local accommodation

Our campsite is open in July and August which you can book here. Some other accommodation options for the area can be found here

Transport

The remote rural location means that travelling here by car is the most practical option and there will be car parking available for all  participants.