Say hello to Byrti the Beaver

We’re delighted to welcome Byrti to Heligan, not only because he’s a splendid looking beaver with a lovely temperament but also due to the expert guidance and high standard of animal welfare provided by the Beaver Trust to ensure the best possible match with the prospective Mrs Byrti. It’s a real privilege to work with the Beaver Trust.

Byrti has come to Heligan after the sad demise of our original male beaver. Dyfi Wildlife Centre, Montgomeryshire, Wales was Byrti’s previous home. At three years old, it was time for him to move on from the family group. Working with the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Alicia Leow-Dyke of the Welsh Beaver Project brought Byrti down to Cornwall. On arrival, after a six hour drive, Byrti seemed very relaxed. So relaxed, in fact, that Alicia had been serenaded by Byrti’s gentle snoring through much of the journey.

Looking ahead, our hope is that the happy couple will be blessed with kits in 2025 and our resident beavers will have become a family by the end of next summer. In the meantime, Heligan’s Wildlife Coordinator, Toby Davies, will be providing soft furnishings, mood lighting and romantic music in the Heligan’s beaver enclosure until further notice.