News
We publish all of our latest news in our monthly newsletter Heal Highs. You can subscribe, and view all past editions of Heal Highs, by clicking here.
November 2025
Beavers have created wetlands
Having monitored the growth of the beaver family - and their industrious dam building - throughout the summer months, it is an absolute delight to announce that their hard work has paid off! A full wetland area, complete with pond and waterfall, now resides at the top of the main dam. Several water-loving species have been spotted here already, including various ducks, water rail, snipe and redshank. The wetland is still expanding, and we will monitor its development over the winter months with anticipation.
November 2025
Huge volunteer effort completes deer fence
69 volunteers and staff gathered in the early hours to take part in a vast, complex operation to gently clear deer out of the Southern Fields, so that the final section of the fence could be erected. This marks the completion of our woodland regeneration project, initiated to combat over-grazing of sapling and scrub growth on the land, which was preventing its growth. The British Deer Society's survey identified an over-large population of deer on the land, but thanks to the new fence, new growth should now have the chance to thrive.
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October 2025
Bringing rewilding into the curriculum
We’re delighted to be partnering with Frome College on a new initiative that integrates rewilding into their Environmental Studies A-level. Through this collaboration, students will explore how rewilding contributes to climate change mitigation, supported by immersive field visits to Heal Somerset. One teacher has already shared that the experience has brought renewed enthusiasm and positivity to climate education, which can so often feel daunting.
October 2025
Wetland restoration project funding secured
We’re delighted to announce that Heal Somerset’s wetland restoration funding has been confirmed by the Environment Agency, with additional support from the Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group (through the Somerset Rivers Authority) agreed in principle. This enables us to begin renaturalising water flows across the site - filling in ditches, creating leaky dams and scrapes and restoring wet habitats that slow water, reduce erosion and boost biodiversity. While our beavers continue their own work nearby, this marks a major step forward in healing the landscape. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Environment Agency, FWAG and the SRA for their support.
September 2025
Badger vaccination programme continues
This summer we completed year two of our badger vaccination programme at Heal Somerset, working with the Somerset Badger Group under a licence from Natural England. Our ranger Dan is now fully trained in the process, and he and the Somerset Badger Group spent two weeks identifying the best spots and getting the badgers acclimatised with the traps. This culminated in two early mornings of trapping, vaccinating and releasing. This year, 22 badgers were vaccinated, up from 15 last year.
August 2025
'Our' wild beaver family is multiplying!
We're thrilled to share that our trail cameras have revealed not one, not two but three beaver kits! These youngsters are already showing signs of growing confidence and independence, though they'll remain with their parents for the next couple of years before setting off to find homes of their own. In the meantime, their parents are hard at work strengthening nearby dams to keep water levels high and protect the family's burrow - efforts that also create valuable wetland habitat.
May 2024
Wild beavers discovered at Heal Somerset rewilding site
