Beavers could be coming to live in Brent's waterways for the first time in 400 years.

Nature groups and schools have successfully bid for money to undertake a project to try to bring the semi-aquatic rodents to Wealdstone Brook, in Woodcock Park.

The project aims to create a flourishing wetland to improve the ecosystem.

Some £3,000 will be used to undertake a feasibility study, with nature lovers hoping to clean up the waterways and eventually build an enclosure for the beavers.

Suzanne Morpurgo, co-ordinator of Brent Parks Forum, said the project involves the council, community groups such as Friends of Woodcock Park, and three schools - St Gregory's Catholic Science College, Claremont High School and Uxendon Manor Primary School .

"There has to be a feasibility study on how best to look after them," she said.

"We will clean up the waterways and engineer it into a state where beavers can live.

"The beavers will do most of the work for us."

She said an enclosure will be built in the river with a viewing platform on the bridge.

She added: "For the beavers security we will have to secure that whole area of the waterway and block that off from the public. "

Environmental groups say beavers slow waterways and help other species to thrive, as they build dams, dig canals and create dead wood, creating and maintaining a habitat for animals such as water voles, dragonflies, amphibians, birds, reptiles and fish.

The project follows a landmark reintroduction scheme in Enfield in 2022, which brought beavers back to London for the first time in 400 years. 

A family of five beavers were released in Ealing in March last year.

On January 31 rewilding expert Derek Gow will be part of a panel discussion  talking about the project, beavers and biodiversity at Uxendon Manor Primary School, in Vista Way, Kenton at 6.30pm.

To attend visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk and search beavers and biodiversity with Derek Gow