Finding the Beavers of Canterbury

[@DaveSandell-w6r]

Beautiful footage of the beavers Mark 👍🏻👍🏻

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Thanks Dave!

[@richardchew1767]

Hi Marc Brilliant footage! I love these mammals! Apart from seeing them in eastern Europe, I have seen them living wild at Loch of the Lowes in Perthshire and on the River Otter in Devon. We did speak about Beavers in Kent when we met recently at the BirdFair and, although I knew that the Stour valley had a population, I did not realise that there were so many …. and in Canterbury city centre! I’m lucky if I see a feral pigeon at my local Sainsburys 😂 The political bit …. Now that we have a new Government, hopefully some progress can at last be made in re-introducing Beavers back in to the wild across England and Wales (this occurred several years ago in Scotland as I am sure you know), starting with all those animals kept in so many fenced enclosures just waiting for a Government policy decision. The massive environmental benefits that Beavers bring are clear (but, yes, as you say, with some potential impacts which can be managed). Just get on with the releases and restore a mammal that was once native to the UK! Political bit over 🙂 Richard

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Cheers Richard 😀 they're brilliant creatures aren't they! Haha, yes fingers crossed we'll actually get some progress on some biodiversity policies... only time will tell - fingers crossed

[@stephendarlington]

When I was down in Westbere last month, there was lots of signs of beavers, both in the marshes and on the Stour. My daughter was really excited. If I had known they were in Canterbury I would have stopped off on the way home. It was quite a surprise on reading the article about the large number of beavers in North Kent alone. Hopefully they will continue to spread out across the country.

[@marchumphreyphotography]

It's definitely worth a visit Stephen! Plus, all the locals are more than happy to help out with giving you pointers as to where they're seen. I think we'll be seeing more and more beavers throughout the UK over the coming years.

[@ianwilsonwildlifephotography]

That was amazing Marc. Never knew they were down in Kent. Some great footage. Hope to photograph them up here in Northumberland one day.

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Thanks Ian! Fingers crossed they spread throughout the country

[@irisotte83]

Amazing... near a city center😂 lovely video of the beavers Marc👍

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Thanks Iris - absolutely amazing to have them living in such close quarters to thousands of visitors

[@ukwildlife]

I remember walking through Canterbury regularly at weekends about 10 years ago, and would alway poke me head over the walls next to the river, as I fancied an Otter might turn up at some point, or at least a Kingfisher or Grey Wagtail. But I never dreamed of Beavers being seen there!

[@marchumphreyphotography]

I've also thought that the Stour looks like the perfect area for otters, but I've not seen them either! Beavers will have to do ay. Thanks for the comment

[@SpottedThroughLens]

Fantastic, need to do a food shop I wonder if I a can convince the mrs to travel 3 hours to use that store 😂 that little kit though new goal unlocked see a baby beaver lol

[@marchumphreyphotography]

😂😂😂 you can at least give it a go mate!

[@AndyGreenWildlife]

Great video mate. Definitely more beavers there than when I was at uni at Kent 🧐 got to get down there to see them

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Thanks Andy ☺ you must! apparently the ones living in Canterbury are seen in winter too

[@annabellemachin1513]

Beautiful footage- particularly loved seeing the busy beaver carrying greenery down the river! Hoping they spread to the Peak District where I'm based eventually- if not, will have to check out Sainsbury's car park!

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Thank you Annabelle! I'd love it if they spread up to the Peaks as I spend a lot of time there myself. Thanks for the comment

[@tonybarton3746]

Great to see , lived close to Canterbury for over 50 years , any beavers 🦫 near Stodmarsh or Canterbury lakes ( where I used to fish and we used to get bothered by wild mink ) now retired home to the Isle of Wight but river Medina is mainly tidal so no chance of beavers 🦫.

[@marchumphreyphotography]

Aren't they just! Yes, so much activity along the Stour. Ah well the Isle of Wight has got some lovely wildlife too - thanks for the comment

[@abrahamdraper1911]

Don't get too close! That thing could slice both your arms off with a single swing of its tail. Their tails are razor sharp you know?

[@neilcole3406]

Who doesn’t like a beaver?

[@marchumphreyphotography]

not me, that's for sure!

[@blisteringbooks2428]

yes, cute, but is it a good idea, have you seen what they did in Patagonia? They destroyed thousand of hectares of forest in a national park. Next it will be wolves and bears. It is a good job they cannot reintroduce sabre tooth tigers.

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

hi Marc Everyone thinks nature is beautiful, until mother beaver, who is also part of the same nature, gnaws down your beautiful old tree in your backyard 😂😂😂

[@richardfink7666]

Well everyone has to make sacrifices!🤣