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The introduction of beavers into English waterways is set to resume for the first time in several centuries, as revealed by current developments. The environment secretary, Steve Reed, plans to announce that nature organizations will now be able to obtain licenses for beaver releases, with activities potentially beginning as early as this autumn.
Historically, beavers had been absent from Britain for around 400 years due to extensive hunting for their fur, meat, and scent glands. However, in the last two decades, there has been a resurgence, with a growing population of approximately 500 beavers now believed to be living in the wild, stemming from both sanctioned releases into secure enclosures and some unauthorized introductions.
Beavers play a vital role in ecosystems by creating habitats that support various wildlife and mitigating flood risks. They do this by restructuring waterways, which not only slows water flow but also promotes the formation of ponds and wetlands.
Under the new government policy, beavers will be allowed to live freely in the wild, contingent upon projects providing a comprehensive 10-year plan detailing their projected impacts on the environment. Concerns previously existed within the government regarding the potential backlash from agricultural sectors, particularly fears that beaver reintroductions could pose challenges for farmers. However, following public outcry and advocacy from wildlife conservation groups, support for Reed’s initiative was reaffirmed.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) has positioned beavers as assets for national growth, as their natural behaviors can enhance local ecosystems at no cost to taxpayers. For instance, a recent case in the Czech Republic demonstrated their effectiveness in infrastructure development, where beavers constructed a dam that saved the government significant expenditure.
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, expressed enthusiasm for the decision. He noted that by helping to restore ecological balance, beavers can revitalize rivers and wetlands, decrease the severity of flooding and drought, and foster habitats beneficial to both wildlife and local communities. He emphasized the appropriateness of the government’s move toward wild releases.
Several initiatives are poised to commence, including the Purbeck Heaths project by the National Trust in Dorset, along with plans from the Wildlife Trusts for sites in Devon and Cornwall.
Conversely, there is some apprehension among farmers. Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers’ Union, suggested that measures to control beaver populations should be established. He indicated that effective management strategies must be in place to address potential issues arising from beaver activities, especially in cases where they disrupt agricultural lands.
While current governmental frameworks allow for lethal control as a last resort, forthcoming plans are expected to address support structures for farmers who may face flooding due to beaver activity. The intent is to ensure that the return of beavers is managed judiciously, minimizing adverse effects on agriculture, food production, and infrastructure.
This policy discussion has been nearly ten years in the making, initially initiated by former Conservative environment secretary Michael Gove, who kickstarted a beaver release trial in 2017. Trials on the River Otter in Devon, conducted in 2020, showcased the benefits of beaver presence, including reduced flooding and enhanced biodiversity. Despite the positive outcomes, ongoing lobbying from agricultural stakeholders had long hindered governmental action on broadening release plans.
Zac Goldsmith, a former environment minister and Conservative peer, expressed relief at the progress, asserting that the benefits of beaver reintroductions are clear. He remarked on the significant environmental advantages they provide, reinforcing the necessity of this long-overdue policy shift.
Source
www.theguardian.com