Under proposals currently being explored, a family of beavers could be introduced to south Norwood Country Park in Croydon as part of a rewilding project.
Supported by Croydon Council’s executive mayor Jason Perry, the project aims to boost biodiversity, improve water quality and create healthier habitats.
Mr Perry said: “The introduction of beavers in South Norwood Country Park would benefit local wildlife and be a massive boost for the borough.
“It would support the park’s biodiversity, and residents and tourists will benefit from investment in a revitalised visitors’ centre.
“This is yet another example of what I am doing to protect and improve our wonderful parks and green spaces. I look forward to hearing what residents think about these exciting proposals, which will bring new neighbours and very welcome investment to South Norwood Country Park.”
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The council is working on the plan in partnership with Citizen Zoo, which helped launch London’s first openly accessible urban beaver population in Ealing. Citizen Zoo has begun an in-depth feasibility study and offered funding to explore whether the habitat is suitable.
The project will require additional funding and licensing from Natural England.
The council will launch a public consultation in February to gather residents’ views and answer questions. This will include a questionnaire, community talks, and local nature walks.
If approved, the beavers would live in a secure enclosure—the largest in London—designed to be accessible to all, including dog walkers. The plan also includes rebuilding the visitor centre and restoring it as a nature education centre.
Elliot Newton, director of rewilding at Citizen Zoo, said: “Following the success of the Ealing Beaver Project, we have been eager to identify new sites where these incredible ecosystem engineers can demonstrate the vast benefits they bring—from boosting biodiversity and cleaning our waterways to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“Upon visiting South Norwood Country Park, we were immediately struck by its potential; the site bears a remarkable resemblance to Paradise Fields, and we see a unique opportunity to strengthen ecological resilience while deeply engaging the local community.”
