Watching for Beavers at Dusk

Since 2020 the River Otter Beaver Trial has been permitted to remain indefinitely — the first legally sanctioned reintroduction of an extinct native mammal to England.

The most reliable stretches to watch are between Otterton and the estuary, an hour either side of sunset. Walk in slowly, sit still on the bank, and listen for the slap of a tail.

Park at Lime Kiln in Budleigh Salterton and follow the river path north. Please keep dogs on leads and resist the urge to wade in for a closer look.