BEAVER activity has been spotted on the Avalon Marshes Nature Reserve near Glastonbury.

Staff found evidence of beavers patrolling the area over the Christmas break after they found a tree that had been gnawed.

Luckily, one beaver was caught on a wildlife camera.

As a protected species, the exact location of where the beaver activity was found cannot be released.

It is believed these are the first beavers to be spotted on the Somerset Wetlands.

READ MORE: Otter family spotted taking a swim in Taunton

READ MORE: Wild beavers return to rewilded Somerset area near River Frome

A spokesperson said: “Beavers have been present in the wider catchment of the River Brue for some time, but these are the first to be found on the Somerset Wetlands ‘super’ National Nature Reserve.

“Beavers are a protected species in the UK so we do ask people not to go out and try to find them as this could disturb them, so we’re not able to disclose their exact location; however, we hope you will enjoy these pics of the gnawed vegetation and the beaver itself that we caught on a wildlife camera!

“We believe the beavers have arrived to the area naturally – dispersing from the surrounding areas of the River Brue, and as yet we have limited knowledge of how many there are, but the reserves will surely provide ideal habitat for them, with plenty of watery pools and lush vegetation for them to enjoy.

“We’ll be working closely with our partners to monitor their activity and will be able to undertake mitigation to address any potential effects if necessary.”