The Ealing Beaver Project

Joss CarrFebruary 9, 2026February 26, 2026Biological recording, Blog, Projectbeaver rewilding, beavers london, beetle recording, Biological recording, Botany field recording, Citizen science biodiversity, Community science London, Earthworm surveys, Field Recorder Day, Green space biodiversity, Habitat recording, Invertebrate surveys, Local wildlife surveys, london beavers, London wildlife recording, Mollusc recording, Nature conservation London, Paradise Fields London, rewilding beavers london, Site-based biodiversity survey, Species records London, True bugs recording, urban biodiversity, urban ecology

Nestled in the serene environs of Paradise Fields in Greenford, Ealing, the Ealing Beaver Project is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering urban human-beaver coexistence. As London’s first fully accessible urban beaver reintroduction site, the project partnership are dedicated to bringing people closer to nature right in the heart of the city.

A family of five Eurasian beavers was officially released into Paradise Fields in Ealing (London), on 11th October 2023. This was the outcome of years of planning orchestrated by The Ealing Beaver Project, a partnership between the Ealing Wildlife Group, Citizen Zoo, the Friends of Horsenden Hill and Ealing Council.

Thanks to funding from the Mayor of London’s Rewild London Fund, the Biological Recording Company was able to deliver a series of Field Recorder Day events at the site prior to the release of the beavers. In 2026, we are delighted to be returning to Paradise Fields (thanks to the HS2 Community and Environment Fund) to give naturalists an opportunity to record the wildlife in the ‘post-beaver’ landscape. It will be very interesting to see what we find which is new! See the full programme of events – including links to sign-up for free – below.

Pre-release Field Recorder Days

Three of the more notable species recorded and photographed at Paradise Fields during the pre-release Field Recorder Days are pictured below. From left to right:

Silis ruficollis, a nationally scarce soldier beetle associated with wetlands, photo © Mick Massie;
Ferdinandea cuprea, one of the less frequently seen large hoverflies in the London area, photo © Alex Worsley;
Thecla betulae (Brown Hairstreak), a high conservation priority butterfly species, adults of which are rarely seen, photo © Alex Worsley.

Post-release Field Recorder Days

Check out our 2026 Field Recorder Day programme at Paradise Fields below. Attendance is free, and recorders of all levels (from newcomer to seasoned pro) are welcome, but booking is mandatory as spaces are limited. Check out our Field Recorder Days events at Paradise Fields in 2026 below.