For hundreds of years, the furry, paddle-tailed figure of the Eurasian beaver has been missing from the rivers of the UK. Once widespread, they were hunted to extinction for their fur, meat and scent-glands (used for making perfume). The last wild British beaver died in Scotland in the 16th century.

Beavers are a keystone species which means that they play a crucial role in how an ecosystem functions. By building dams, digging ditches and coppicing trees, beavers can alter their surroundings in a big way – and in a way that has many benefits for people and wildlife. Beavers can create large areas of water-retaining wetland, slowing the flow of streams and rivers and protecting the land downriver from flooding, as well as reducing silt and improving water quality. These restored wetlands also provide essential habitat for a wealth of plants and animals.

With these benefits, it’s easy to see why there is so much interest in bringing beavers back to the UK.

The Ramblers is Britain's walking charity.

It's so important that we can monitor and record the amazing wildlife, habitats and plants we have here in Somerset, so we can understand how to protect what we already have as well as improve Somerset for wildlife. Understanding and telling Somerset's story through the wildlife and habitat data we collect is so vital for us to be able to create a Wilder Somerset 2030.

Somerset Wildlife Trust works to protect and restore wildlife on our nature reserves and in the wider landscape. We do this through developing the counties key landscapes through working with neighbouring landowners and other key Somerset people and organisations.

A Nature Recovery Network is a joined-up system of places important for wild plants and animals, on land and at sea.

It allows plants, animals, seeds, nutrients and water to move from place to place and enables the natural world to adapt to change. It provides plants and animals with places to live, feed and breed.

It can only do this effectively if, like our road network, it is treated as a joined-up whole.

Young Somerset is the largest youth work charity in Somerset and our mission is to put young people first.

Our UK peatlands store an amazing 3.2 billion tonnes of carbon. When considered globally, this is even more impressive, as they cover just 3% of land area but in that pack 30% of all soil carbon!

Find out the best time of year to see your favourite wildlife and where in Somerset you have the best chance of seeing them.

Fundraise for Somerset Wildlife Trust and get a 25% discount! Join our Team Wilder for a 75km, 112km or 165km road cycle culminating with the famous ascent through Cheddar Gorge. Secure your place today.

A Gardening Project run by the Mental Health charity Mind.