FAQ: Do beavers build dams?
Beavers are well known for their construction skills. Sometimes they build dams in rivers and construct lodges in the ponds created by their dams, however, beavers will only build dams if they cannot find a habitat with conditions suitable to their needs. 
The trial site was chosen as an area with a great deal of suitable habitat. When beavers do dam, this modification can have a positive effect for biodiversity. Their ponds benefit many species including otters, water shrews, water voles, birds, invertebrates (especially dragonflies) and breeding fish. Dams can also hold water in periods of drought, can regulate flooding and improve water quality by holding silt behind dams and catching acidic and agricultural run-off.
