September 2008 – Bavaria

As the case for the reintroduction of European beaver in Britain moves forward this tour is an opportunity for both professional and amateur naturalists to learn a whole lot more about the ecology and lifestyle of this incredible creature.

The North American Indians called the beaver the earth’s kidneys as it was the species which managed water around which all other life revolved. Beavers were reintroduced into Bavaria in the 1960’s and this tour will incorporate visits to beaver dams, lodges and unusual living sites. Sites where beaver activity conflicts with human land-use will be explored and the solutions explained by the regions professional beaver mangers.

This visit will include practical beaver handling, sexing and live trapping demonstrations. A dusk beaver watch near the town of Vohburg may afford views of foraging wild beavers while a final day’s excursion to the Bavarian national park will enable excellent photographic opportunities of a host of European large mammal species.

Cost excluding flights and insurance - £570