Nature’s engineers to return to English waterways
Nature’s original master builder – the Eurasian beaver – is set to return to English waterways after centuries of absence, following a government decision to allow wild release.
Beavers are prodigious ecosystem engineers and proven climate champions – creating natural flood defences and building wetlands which are havens for wildlife.
Known as a keystone species because the habitats they create benefit many other species, beavers were once abundant in England but became extinct due to overhunting. In recent years, they have been returning to waterways through a system of licensed releases into enclosures, and a limited trial of wild release in Devon.
Now, the UK government has set out a new approach which will allow beavers to live wild in England’s landscapes. It includes the detail of a new licensing system, support for landowners and farmers, and a commitment to produce a plan in consultation with stakeholders for the long-term management of beavers in England.
New wild release projects will need to have a project plan in place to support the introduction of beavers into a landscape before Natural England would consider granting a licence, the report says.
"This landmark moment in England’s beaver story could be a significant step toward helping to address some key environmental challenges we face."
Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, said, “Beavers have been missing from our landscapes for about 400 years and this careful approach for their planned return is a significant landmark for nature recovery in England.
“Beavers are environmental engineers. The dams, ponds and canals they build not only create amazingly rich habitats for many other species, but can also help reduce flood risk, purify water and catch carbon.”
Alan Lovell, chair of the Environment Agency said, "Beavers help reduce flooding in nearby towns, remove pollutants from our precious waterways and help to create clean water. Working alongside our partners, the Environment Agency will continue to support the careful management of wild beavers”.
Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer of Beaver Trust said, "This landmark moment in England’s beaver story could be a significant step toward helping to address some of the key environmental challenges we face.
“We look forward to seeing details of the government’s announcement and hope that it will support measures that encourage people to live alongside beavers and form a productive step toward normalising this native species.”