IT LOOKS like a beaver, tows like a horse box and opens up like a camper.

Welcome to the Beaver Bus - Cotswold Lakes Trust’s latest creation in its mission to spread the word about nature conservation and the environment.

The novelty truck started as a second-hand horse box.

“We wanted to turn it into a conservation-themed mobile education resource and information point,” said the trust’s conservation and estates director Ben Welbourn.

Conversations began with artists and designers Helen Shackleton and Lloyd Turner.

“After a lot of discussion, we went for a Beaver Bus because it’s such an iconic creature for the Cotswold Water Park species,” said Ben.

Helen and Lloyd were well up for the challenge. 

“How many times do you get asked to turn a horse box into a Beaver Bus? It sounded like fun,” said Helen.

The pair used rusted mild steel to construct the body and decorated the folding panels with wildlife murals. 

“It was a lot of work, but it turned out pretty well,” she added.

The launch of the Beaver Bus took place at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswold Water Park.

Estate director Lara Lympaney was delighted.

“We’re always happy to support the Cotswold Water Park and Cotswold Lakes Trust. We introduced 10 beavers to the Cotswold Water Park in 2005, so they are very close to our heart,” she said.

The Beaver Bus, costing £15,000, was funded thanks to Crowdfund Cotswolds, Lower Mill Estate, Polydron and many other supporters.

Thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cotswold Lakes Trust has recruited a Nature Engagement Officer who will be making use of the Beaver Bus around the Cotswold Water Park and at local schools, helping to explain the importance and principles of nature recovery to all age groups.

Cotswold Lakes Trust plays a major role in the environmental welfare of the Cotswold Water Park – a network of 180 lakes stretching across 42 square miles from South Cerney in the north and Somerford Keynes in the west, to Cricklade in the south and Lechlade in the east.

For more information see cotswoldlakestrust.org