New research project involving the Burrow Surveyor — looking for suitable beaver burrow systems

Our survey team at the fieldwork company is starting a new research project commissioned by @RVO to investigate whether the Burrow Surveyor can be used to inspect beaver burrow systems while minimising disturbance to the animals and their immediate surroundings. For this research, we are looking for suitable beaver lodges and burrow systems where the study can be carried out.

Beaver burrowing near infrastructure can affect soil stability and, in some cases, pose risks to railways, roads and dikes. At the same time, beavers and their burrow systems are protected, meaning that inspection methods need to take potential disturbance into account.

As part of the study, we will investigate the effects of using the Burrow Surveyor inside beaver burrow systems. The research will be carried out in collaboration with @Viralcom B.V., who will use their Egg acoustic monitoring system to analyse and classify underwater sound patterns during the inspections.

The results will contribute to a better understanding of how inspection techniques can be applied around beaver burrows and help inform developments about appropriate inspection and follow-up measures when burrowing is identified near infrastructure.

The dry conditions this summer provide particularly favourable circumstances for conducting these inspections. If you manage or know of a site with a suitable beaver burrow system that could be included in the research, feel free to reach out here.