A long-awaited licencing agreement allowing for the release of wild beavers in England has been approved by the government in hopes to tackle floods and draughts.
The beavers are first to be released at Purbeck Heaths, the UK’s first ‘super’ nature reserve in 2020, under a licence granted to the National Trust. This protected landscape covers 8,000 acres of land.
Natural England’s chairman Tony Juniper said “This announcement is a very significant step in the long road for nature’s recovery in England, because of the real benefits that beavers create in the habitats they occupy and shape.”
Beavers act as ecosystem engineers, altering their environment in ways that provide habitat, enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and even mitigate the effects of climate change. They vanished from England more than 400 years ago from hunters.
Tom Bradshaw, President of the National Farmers Union, said “If beavers end up in the wrong place, then that lethal control has to be part of being able to have that species reintroduced more widely.”
WLC’s press releases says: “Restoring nature means restoring whole ecosystems, and few can beat the beaver in helping bring landscapes to life.
“These much-loved animals can help restore rivers and wetlands and reduce flooding and drought. Their eco-engineering creates diverse habitats that are great for local communities and for wildlife.
“It’s high time for wild releases and excellent that the government is making progress.”
Beaver activities can have a negative impact on the environment, including beaver dams blocking fish migrations, impacts to the landscape, trees and banks, and localised flooding of roads, properties or farmland.
However, conservationists say these problems can be resolved, with the use of rapid response teams, work with communities to increase understanding of beavers and financial incentives to help land managers earn a living while working alongside the animals and wetlands.