SOME extraordinary wildlife sightings have been reported in Wellington in the past few days.

First, a beaver was spotted swimming in a reservoir near Rackfield, Westford, while Jenny Coles was walking her dog at 5 am on June 10.

Ms Coles managed to take photographs as it swam across the pond and made its way into woodland.

The nearest known colony of beavers to Wellington is at Otterhead Lakes, on the Blackdown Hills, where two families have built lodges.

However, a beaver was recently filmed making its way along a road at night in Holcombe Rogus, about two miles from Westford.

Two days later, Jamie Pocock was walking her dog across the Basins when she was able to photograph an osprey flying overhead.

Ospreys are a fish eating bird of prey only rarely ever seen in Somerset which migrate from Africa to breed in Scotland and other northern territories.

Town council open spaces manager Darren Hill said: “Our town has become an increasingly valuable refuge for wildlife, with new green corridors, pollinator-friendly planting schemes, the green spaces in our town are flourish and improving our living environment.

“Wellington is fortunate to benefit from the dedication of volunteers and community groups such as Transition Town Wellington, the Basins Volunteers, and Friends of Swains Lane.

“Through their hard work and commitment over many years, they have made a significant contribution to enhancing biodiversity and improving the ecological value of our green spaces.

“Their efforts are helping to create a richer, more connected, and resilient environment that supports a wide range of wildlife while also benefiting local residents.

“It is a privilege to support these initiatives and witness the positive impact they continue to have across the town.

“I look forward to seeing our habitats mature and an ever-greater diversity of wildlife thrive in Wellington’s green spaces for many years to come.”