The Croydon beavers project

The Croydon beavers project aims to bring beavers to South Norwood Country Park.

South Norwood Country park has been chosen as a potential new home to a family of beavers because it is an ideal environment where they can thrive. The project hopes the new residents will arrive in 2028.

This project will improve the biodiversity of the park. Beavers are ecosystem engineers, building dams and creating wetlands which improves water quality, reduces flooding, and boosts biodiversity for fish, insects, birds, and other mammals.

It will also bring investment that will see a new visitors’ centre in the park.

We are working in partnership with urban rewilding experts, Citizen Zoo, the group behind the introduction of London’s first openly accessible urban beaver population at the Ealing Beaver Project. An in-depth study will be carried out to see if the habitat is suitable. If successful, additional funding will need to be secured and licences for the introduction will need to be approved by Natural England to review the potential of the site.

How you can get involved

We want to know what residents think of the project. The community consultation is an important part in deciding whether the project goes ahead.

Survey

A survey is now open until 22 March 2026. Alongside Citizen Zoo, we want to hear the views of residents, visitors and anyone with an interest.

Take the survey

Community talk

We are hosting community talks with Citizen Zoo to discuss the project in more detail and answer any questions. Booking is necessary to secure entry.

12 February, 7pm.

Ashburton Hall
Lower Addiscombe Road
Croydon CR0 6RX

Reserve your place

Wildlife Walk

A free guided walk through South Norwood Country Park exploring existing wildlife, habitats and how beavers could shape the landscape. Booking essential.

21 February, 2pm.

The Kiosk South Norwood
Albert Road
SE25 4QL

Reserve your place

Online webinar

For those who cannot make the in-person events, we have an online event. Learn more about the project to add beavers to South Norwood Country Park.

Online, 10 March, 7pm.

Reserve your place

 

More dates will be added here soon.