Beavers in the Landscape
Beavers are inspiring ecosystem engineers. The Eurasian beaver is a large herbivore - a mammal that is native to the UK, and was once very common. However, it was hunted to extinction in the 16th century. Beavers are now slowly returning to the UK and the way they shape landscapes is critical for our wetlands and biodiversity. They are called ecosystem engineers because they change the landscape and habitats by cutting trees and shrubs, creating dams in watercourses and build their own lodges (houses). These actions create diverse and dynamic wetlands, which bring huge benefits to other species – some of which I’ve shown in this illustration – water shrews, water voles, birds including herons, kingfishers, bullfinch, hobbies, reed warblers, owls, blue tits, mallards, coots, insects – especially dragonflies. The increase of insects means bats thrive in these wetlands too. Woodpeckers and bats nest within the dead wood that is left standing in the water through beaver actions. Frogs, toads and newts breed and benefit from the wetlands habitat too.
The water is cleaner and purer, and has shown an increase in fish, including Sea Trout which have been seen to negotiate the beaver dams.
Beautiful wildflowers carpet the landscape – bluebells, primroses, orchids and yellow iris are key species.
In addition, beavers benefit us as people too. By building dams and creating a wetland habitat, they hold back and slow down water, meaning it helps control flooding of our towns and cities after heavy rain. Furthermore, wetlands capture carbon, therefore helping the climate crisis too.
Created in partnership with Rewilding Britain and the Knepp Estate for World Rewilding Day 2024, this illustration captures beavers in their wetlands landscape and the amount of wildlife they help to support.
20% of every print sold is donated to Rewilding Britain.
Note: the original drawing is black and white.
Each print is printed in my Cardiff-based studio, and then mounted and packaged by hand to ensure a quality finish. Printing to order means less waste and therefore less impact on the environment - something that is extremely important to me.
This print comes in a soft white, conservation grade card mount and is available in 2 sizes: large = 14" x 11" / 35.6cm x 27.9cm and small = 8" x 6" / 20.3cm x 15.2cm.
The large print fits a standard 14”x11” frame (not included) and the small print fits a standard 8”x6” frame (not included).
The mounted prints are wrapped in eco-friendly recycled tissue and delivered in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. Sheets of robust leftover corrugated cardboard donated by another small and local business, ensure safe postage.