Name that beaver!

A Devon-based conservation charity is looking for help from the public to suggest names for its new beaver mascot.

The beaver in question is a human-sized beaver costume made to promote the work of Devon Wildlife Trust with England’s only known wild beaver population on the River Otter in East Devon.

The costume, which has striking teeth and tail has been produced with support from South Devon-based Cofton Country Holidays, which is itself a David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme Gold award winner.

Speaking for Devon Wildlife Trust Steve Hussey said: “We wanted a beaver mascot to help us raise the profile of the River Otter Beaver Trial and its vital work. When Cofton Country Holidays generously stepped in to help us we were delighted.”

“We hope that lots of people will get to see the mascot and learn about the project. His/her first outing will be at this year’s County Show, after that he/she will be seen around the county at events.”

“We’re really pleased with the mascot costume and have a number of staff, volunteers and helpers from Cofton Country Holidays who have said they are happy to wear it. Now all that is lacking is a name. That’s why we’re now asking the public to help us name that beaver!”

Mellony Kirby, Director at Cofton Country Holidays commented: “Conservation is very close to our hearts. We work hard to provide guests with a rich environment in which to observe wildlife here at Cofton.  Over the years Devon Wildlife Trust has advised us on our nature trails, which take visitors through parkland and woodland to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve, and so for us the opportunity to raise the profile of the Trust’s work to encourage a wild beaver population on the River Otter seemed too good an opportunity to miss.

“We’re looking forward to hosting the River Otter beaver mascot throughout the spring and summer when Devon Wildlife Trust will be joining us here at Cofton for pond dipping days, giving kids the chance to discovering wildlife in the water alongside supervised activities.”

The beaver mascot’s first appearance will be at this year’s Devon County Show. People who want to suggest a beaver name can do so by visiting the Devon Wildlife Trust stand.

Devon Wildlife Trust is also inviting people get in touch via Twitter using @DevonWildlife with their beaver name suggestions. Steve Hussey said: “We’re looking for an imaginative beaver name. After the recent Boaty McBoatface debacle we’ve chosen not to run this name selection as a vote. Instead we are reserving the right to choose the winner and it won’t be Beaver McBeaverface or anything that doesn’t represent the correct tone for our work for wildlife!”