After near extinction and years of conservation efforts across the UK, the government announced earlier this year that beavers are finally being released back into the wild! Though to the beavers along the River Otter in East Devon, this is old news. Since they were first spotted in 2013, they have made a successful return across the catchment. The River Otter beaver Trial led by Devon Wildlife Trust was the first wild licenced beaver reintroduction project in England.
Join Alan Puttock from the University of Exeter for a gentle stroll along the famous River Otter to search for signs of beavers. We’ll enjoy the abundance of wildlife around and hear about Alan’s research on nature-based solutions and landscape restoration. He will chat about natural river restoration and the key role beavers play in helping us preserve biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce drought and flooding.
In the relaxed atmosphere, you’ll have lots of opportunities to ask questions, make comments, and chat with others. The event will run for 60-75 minutes and we will approximately walk for 1 mile and a half.
We will meet outside Otterton Mill farm shop from 2.45 PM and start walking at 3PM.
Accessibility: Although the path is flat, it is unpaved and too narrow for wheelchairs. Please check the weather and dress appropriately, e.g. waterproofs, sun protection, and sturdy footwear. Read more about accessibility.
Disclaimer: If you would like to attend the walk but don’t have a car, please do send us an email at contact@agile-rabbit.com. We’re happy to advise and help you further.
This walk is funded by Devon Community Foundation.
Speaker
Alan Puttock
Geography
University of Exeter
Alan Puttock is an environmental scientist and ecohydrologist. In his research, he takes on an interdisciplinary approach to investigate nature-based solutions and landscape restoration. His current work focuses on natural flood management solutions to create more resilient landscapes as well as maximising the benefits linked to landscape restoration. Alan is a lecturer in Nature-based Solutions at The Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW). CREWW conducts research into some of the most pressing environmental challenges in our time – namely how we can manage our precious natural resources in ways which are sustainable, innovative and resilient. https://experts.exeter.ac.uk/22145-alan-puttock/about.