New Generation of Beavers at Paradise Fields

Original resident Willow has given birth to at least two kits

Matriach Willow on the viewing walkway . Picture: Ealing Beaver Project

July 1, 2026

New life has arrived at Paradise Fields, where the borough’s pioneering beaver family has welcomed a new generation of kits — a milestone that confirms the success of London’s first urban beaver rewilding project.

The births mark the latest chapter in the Ealing Beaver Project, launched in October 2023 when five Eurasian beavers were translocated from Scotland to West London. The move, led by Ealing Wildlife Group in partnership with Citizen Zoo, Ealing Council and Friends of Horsenden, brought beavers back to the capital for the first time in more than four centuries.

At least two kits have been sighted so far, born to matriarch Willow, whose family has become a symbol of coexistence between wildlife and city life. One of Willow’s earlier offspring was relocated to the Dyfi Osprey Project in Wales to help expand the species ’ recovery nationwide.

The project has drawn international attention after the beavers’ dams and wetlands were credited with reducing flood risk around Greenford Underground Station, an area that had suffered repeated flooding for over a decade. Since the animals ’ arrival, Paradise Fields has also seen a surge in biodiversity — from birds and amphibians to fish and invertebrates — and a 90 per cent drop in anti-social behaviour.

Dr Sean McCormack, project lead and licence holder, said the new arrivals show how well the beavers have adapted to their urban home. “We ’re thrilled that yet again our beaver family have had babies, showing just how settled and happy they are here at Paradise Fields, ” he said. “We spotted the first kit last week and then two together, but they ’re already developing their stealth mode, zipping along underwater and popping up when we least expect. ”

Urban Beaver Officer Şeniz Mustafa added that the animals have captured the public ’s imagination. “Our beavers are adored by both the local community and visitors from far and wide, ” she said. “We look forward to welcoming more visitors and hosting more events for people to get involved. ”

Elliot Newton, Director of Rewilding at Citizen Zoo, described the births as “a powerful testament ” to what urban nature recovery can achieve. “This project is giving the world a glimpse of a wilder future and showing what is possible, ” he said.

Paradise Fields remains open to the public and forms part of the Capital Ring walking route. More than 7,000 people have visited through talks, volunteer sessions and beaver-spotting safaris over the past year.

For more information, visit theealingbeaverproject.com.