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Our Guide Matt was superb and really understood the beavers behaviour. It was a tricky time of year as this years beaver kits are semi independent by September. We missed them early on but just as it started to get dark we sat by the river and waited. First mum arrived and stopped on the opposite bank chewing on a branch and then various members of the family put in an appearance before disappearing & then reappearing. We saw at least 4 different beavers really clearly. Thoroughly recommended!
C.T. Lincolnshire, Sept 21
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Devon - Just Beavers! (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR167A beautiful evening walk along the River Otter in Devon with the primary focus being to find, and enjoy, the resident Beavers!
1 days
from
£60
£60
Highlights
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Summary
Join Naturalist Matt Collis for an exciting evening in search of Beavers. Visiting the famous River Otter, in east Devon, our main goal will be to encounter the river’s famous Beaver population. Since their seemingly unknown introduction around 2008, Beaver numbers have slowly grown and, after five years of monitoring to assess their impact on the local landscape, on the 6th August 2020 the government officially granted permission for this re-established colony to remain. With this fantastic news, it seems that this wonderful creature, the largest rodent in Europe, is here to stay! Beavers were hunted to extinction in Britain in the 16th century, and with the loss of this most charismatic species, we also lost the range of wetland habitats they so wonderfully created, through the building of dams and lodges. The return of the Beaver also brings the return of fantastic wetland habitats for a range of other species. We will arrive just before dusk to make best use of this optimal viewing time, which also provides good light for photography. Using Matt’s specialist local knowledge and countless hours studying the Beavers here, we have the very best chance of finding, watching and photographing them. We will be mobile, taking up various positions along the river in the hope of multiple Beaver encounters and, if lucky, we may also see this year’s kits! Although obtaining great Beaver views is our main priority, there is also a good chance to find a range of other wildlife which may include Kingfisher, Dipper and Otter which are all regularly seen here. The walk will be around 4km in total.
- A great chance of finding Beavers
- Aim to have close views and photograph them
- Otters are also frequently seen
- Birds may include Dipper and Kingfisher
- A beautiful walk along the River Otter
Day Trip Location
Reviews
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In difficult weather the tour leader gave excellent and knowledgeable information about the area and the Beaver project in Devon. By shear determination we saw a Beaver kit right at the end of the walk. Absolutely delighted, thank you!
J.R. Devon, Oct 20
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Mon 6th Jul – Mon 6th Jul
1
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Matt Collis
Tour Leader: Matt Collis
Born and raised in his beloved Devon, Matt is an ecologist and naturalist with a special interest in birds and protected UK mammals including Hazel Dormice and Otter. He studied Zoology at the University of Reading and completed a Masters in Ecology before going on to a career as an ecological consultant based in Bristol, a role which saw him counting Red-breasted Geese in Bulgaria and Egyptian Vultures in Azerbaijan. He later worked for Avon Wildlife Trust establishing the 'My Wild City' project whose vision of nature-rich cities involved converting nature-devoid spaces into wildlife havens. Matt is now a full time freelance ecologist and wildlife educator, running wildlife identification training courses across the southern counties for the British Trust for Ornithology, RSPB and the Wildlife Trust. He also leads guided nature walks in his home county of Devon and completes protected species surveys for various infrastructure projects. When not working he enjoys spending time on his bike training for triathlons and has a particular passion/obsession for all things Swifts - you have been warned!
Tue 7th Jul – Tue 7th Jul
FULL
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Wed 8th Jul – Wed 8th Jul
SPACES
£60
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£60
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
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