Beaver Diaries November 2024
November at Sculthorpe Moor beaver enclosure brought persistently high water levels. Dragonfly Meadow, Oak Fen, and Plantation Wood remained flooded, and the path across Oak Fen Drain near Dragonfly Gate was too deep to navigate even with wellingtons so waders were essential. The only way to access the trap required careful maneuvering, and the beaver capture program remained on hold until conditions improve.
First Signs of Winter
Signs of winter became more evident this month. Vegetation continued to die back, trees began shedding their leaves, and the first frost arrived later in November. On the 21st, temperatures dropped sharply, with a heavy frost reminding us that extra layers—and possibly heated socks—are now essential.
The trail cameras continued to provide excellent footage. This month as with last, we frequently captured two beavers together—sometimes the yearlings and other times what we believe to be the adult pair traveling closely. The cameras also revealed increased activity on some of the tracks, suggesting that otters may now have established themselves more firmly within the enclosure.
First Visit
Our first visit of November began through Gate One, continuing to Gate Two, and looping around to the Wetland Hide—the only accessible route to Oak Fen Drain due to extensive flooding. We collected all the SD cards from the cameras and reviewed the footage back at home.
The footage revealed that this year’s kit is becoming more independent, and it’s now increasingly difficult to distinguish the yearlings from the adults. With much of the area still flooded, all cameras remain positioned along Oak Fen Drain. These captured plenty of dam-building activity, particularly during brief drops in water levels when the sluice was temporarily unblocked.
A notable highlight was spotting a fox on some of the trail cameras, showcasing the diverse wildlife thriving within the reserve. We also replenished apples around the feeding platform, ensuring a reliable food source for the beavers. This preparation remains part of our plan to encourage their entry into the trap if conditions allow for the ongoing monitoring programme.
Second visit
Our second visit of November, on the 21st, began with a frosty and icy start. The cold weather made for a slippery entrance, and once again, we had to take the long route due to widespread flooding. Water levels remained stubbornly high, with poor drainage into the River Wensum. Oak Fen and the track from Dam One were still underwater, making access difficult.
We left more apples at the feeding platform and retrieved the power pack to recharge its batteries back at the cabin. The cold weather seems to have affected battery performance, highlighting the challenges of maintaining equipment during the winter months.
November – Third Visit
On our final visit of the month, on the 28th, water levels across the reserve remained high. The IDB drain was noticeably swollen, with beaver activity continuing to clog the sluice with branches. On the wetlands, we had a sighting of a Great White Egret, heard crows calling, and observed wrens flitting about. A muntjac deer added to the wildlife activity, seen darting along the Oak Fen track.
The wooded areas near the cameras remain flooded, providing ample space for the beavers to navigate and forage. Trail camera footage revealed active dam-building when water levels briefly dropped, but during higher water levels, the beavers shifted focus to swimming and gathering food. Interestingly, a new lodge—or perhaps a dam—has appeared near the public footpath leading to the main part of the reserve. We plan to reposition a camera there on our next visit to monitor its development.
Despite the persistent flooding, the reserve is bustling with wildlife activity. The beavers continue to thrive, adding branches and mud to both Lodges Two and Three, showcasing their adaptability to the ever-changing conditions.
| Muntjac | Rat | Squirrel |
| Wood Mouse | Heron | Mallard |
| Fox | Pheasant | Otter |
| Hedgehog | Wren | Blackbird |