Planning ready beaver surveys and habitat assessments across Herefordshire, providing clear ecological evidence, proportionate recommendations and practical support for developments affecting rivers, streams, wetlands and riparian habitats.
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Wild beavers are present within the wider River Wye catchment, making them an increasingly relevant consideration for developments affecting suitable freshwater habitat in Herefordshire.
A Beaver Survey may be requested where proposed works could affect beavers, their breeding or resting sites, or habitats they rely upon.
This may include:
The presence of a river or stream does not automatically mean a Beaver Survey is necessary.
Where an LPA requests further ecological information, ProHort can undertake the appropriate assessment and provide clear ecological evidence to support the planning application.
Herefordshire contains an extensive network of rivers, streams, floodplains, ditches and open water habitats.
Several major river systems are particularly relevant:
River Wye – the principal river through Herefordshire, passing through Hereford and Ross on Wye before continuing towards the Welsh border and eventually the Severn Estuary.
River Lugg – an important tributary of the Wye, flowing south through the county towards Hereford.
River Frome – connecting the Bromyard area with the wider Lugg and Wye river system.
River Arrow – flowing through north western Herefordshire and forming part of the wider Lugg catchment.
River Monnow – forming part of the Wye catchment in the south west of the county.
River Teme – associated with northern parts of Herefordshire before continuing through neighbouring Worcestershire.
These rivers are supported by numerous smaller tributaries, brooks, drainage channels, ponds and wetlands.
Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017
Eurasian beavers are a European Protected Species. The legislation protects beavers from deliberate killing, injury, capture and disturbance, and protects their breeding sites and resting places from damage or destruction.
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Provides additional legal protection relevant to beavers, including controls relating to certain methods of capture and their release into the wild.
For development in Herefordshire, proposed works that could affect beavers, their breeding or resting sites, or important supporting habitat may require appropriate ecological assessment, mitigation and, in some circumstances, a Natural England licence.
ProHort provides proportionate, evidence led advice and reporting to help support a compliant route through planning.
The River Wye catchment is one of the areas in England where breeding wild beaver populations have been identified. This makes Herefordshire particularly relevant when considering beavers within planning and development.
The county's freshwater network is highly connected. The Wye is joined by major tributaries including the Lugg, while the Lugg catchment itself incorporates waterways including the Frome and Arrow.
Beavers can disperse through connected river systems as territories become established, meaning historical records alone may not provide a complete picture of current distribution.
For developments affecting suitable freshwater habitat, current ecological information and site specific evidence are therefore particularly important.
Where the LPA requests further information relating to beavers, an appropriate Beaver Survey can establish how a site is being used, identify burrows, lodges, dams or other evidence of activity, and provide the information needed to assess potential development impacts.
Our specialist ecology team assesses suitable habitat and identifies evidence of beaver activity, including feeding signs, tracks, burrows, lodges and dams.
You receive clear, planning ready advice identifying any ecological constraints and the appropriate recommendations for your project.
Our reports provide the ecological information needed to help you respond to planning requirements and progress your Herefordshire project.
We review your plans, site location, freshwater habitats and available ecological information to understand the project and any ecological issues that may need to be addressed.
Our ecologists survey suitable watercourses and connected habitats for beaver activity, including feeding signs, tracks, burrows, lodges and dams.
We assess how the proposed works could affect beavers, protected features, movement routes and supporting habitat.
You receive a clear, LPA ready report setting out the findings and any appropriate avoidance, mitigation, monitoring or licensing recommendations.
Has your LPA requested a Beaver Survey, or do you need ecological support for development affecting a Herefordshire watercourse?
ProHort can undertake the appropriate assessment and provide clear, planning ready reporting to help keep your project progressing.
Breeding wild beavers have been identified within sections of the wider River Wye catchment. Because the Wye and its tributaries form a connected freshwater network, current ecological records and site specific evidence should be considered where development could affect suitable habitat.
A Beaver Survey may be requested where development could affect suitable freshwater habitat and current information indicates beaver activity within or near the relevant catchment. Further assessment may also be requested following findings from a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal.
Potentially. The River Wye catchment supports wild beavers, but development beside the river does not automatically require a survey. The LPA will determine what ecological information is required for the planning application.
Potentially. The River Lugg forms an important tributary of the River Wye and is connected to other watercourses including the Frome and Arrow. Current ecological information, habitat suitability and the potential impacts of the development should be considered.
No. Being within the catchment does not automatically trigger a Beaver Survey. The location and nature of the development, suitable habitat, available records and potential impacts all need to be considered, with the LPA determining what information is required for planning.
Our ecologists can look for evidence including gnawed or felled trees, feeding remains, tracks, slides, scent mounds, burrows, lodges and dams, together with how beavers may be using the surrounding habitat.
Potentially. These works can directly affect riverbanks, freshwater habitat and wildlife movement. Where beavers or protected breeding or resting sites could be affected, the LPA may request appropriate ecological information.
Beaver Surveys can be undertaken throughout the year, although October to March normally provides the most accurate results. Vegetation growth can make field signs more difficult to detect between April and September.
No. Beaver presence does not automatically prevent development. Potential impacts should be assessed and avoidance considered first. Where impacts cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation and potentially a Natural England licence may need to be considered.