FANS of the Lionesses have been given the chance to name two Somerset beaver kits after the European Championship-winning England team.
The National Trust has launched a Twitter competition to name the new arrivals at Exmoor's Holnicote Estate, with Euro 2022-inspired suggestions encouraged.
England's women's national team won the European Championship on Sunday with a 2-1 victory against Germany at Wembley Stadium.
The National Trust released an adult pair of Eurasian beavers on the Holnicote Estate in February 2020, and they built their first dam - believed to be the first on Exmoor in over 400 years - just months later.
Last year, the trust asked its social media followers to name parents Grylls and Yogi's first-born kit.
The kit was named Rashford (in honour of England forward Marcus) after the men's team reached the final of the postponed Euro 2020 tournament.
The Holnicote beavers are certainly settling in, and rangers are delighted to welcome two new kits. Following @Lionesses historic win this weekend, we need some help finding fitting names to join big brother, Rashford.
— National Trust (@nationaltrust) August 2, 2022
Russo, Mead, or maybe Kelly? Drop your suggestions below ⚽ pic.twitter.com/8UU2a4tGsJ
Ben Eardley, project manager at Holnicote, said: “Last year, we were overwhelmed by the interest in our first beaver kit, with thousands of people helping us choose a name.
“After Sunday’s historic victory, we’re anticipating even more excitement this time and, hopefully, some Lioness-inspired name suggestions.”
Over the past two years, the beavers have created a complex of dams that have slowed the flow of water through the catchment, creating ponds and new channels to hold more water in the landscape.
A range of wildlife is enjoying the new habitat including fish, amphibians, reptiles like grass snakes, bats, insects, birds, and otters.
By stripping bark from non-native conifers, the beavers also help let more light into the woodland and encourage new trees to grow.
Ben continued: “The beavers have now created three additional ponds within the three hectare enclosure – and despite the lack of rain and drought conditions on the horizon, it is still a vibrant waterscape with a diverse range of wetland wildlife that have now made their home here.
“By developing this type of resilience to our warming climates, we can help wildlife weather the uncertainty of rising temperatures and conditions that we are likely to experience due climate change. Holding water in the landscapes not only benefits wildlife, but ensures there is more water for the surrounding trees and fields.
“These beaver-engineered wetlands have the potential to help raise local groundwater levels and develop a more resilient river catchment for people and wildlife.”
Popular suggestions so far include Sweet and Caroline after Neil Diamond's 1969 song that has become an England fans' favourite; Scott (for 161-cap midfielder Jill), Wembley, Toone (for final goalscorer Ella), and Lioness.
Non-football-related suggestions have also been made, including Elizabeth to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee year.
The Holnicote Estate team will make their final decisions after considering all options suggested by the public.
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