In a government decision, England will reintroduce the Eurasian beaver back into the country’s waterways after centuries of absence. The reintroduction will be managed under license from Natural England, a non-departmental public body in the United Kingdom.
Once hunted to extinction, the return of the beaver is being called a major boost for conservation since the habitats they create benefit a myriad of other species.
“Beavers are cherished creatures who bring so many benefits for people and our precious natural environment,” Mary Creagh, Nature Minister, said. “They create wetlands which are havens for wildlife, reduce flood risk and improve the water quality of our rivers. “Reintroducing beavers to the wild is a critical milestone for this Government’s plan to protect and restore our natural world.”
Beavers are referred to as “nature’s original master builder” because they help to reduce flood risk, create new wetlands and boost biodiversity, according to Gov.UK.
“As part of our work to reduce flood risk and restore rivers to good health, the return of wild beavers will improve water quality, boost biodiversity and build resilience to climate change through nature-based solutions,” Alan Lovell, chair of the Environment Agency, said.
The new approach “will allow beavers to live wild in England’s treasured landscapes” through a system of licensed releases into enclosures, and a limited trial of wild release in Devon, according to Gov.UK. Once hunted to extinction, the return of the beaver is being called a major boost for conservation since the habitats they create benefit a myriad of other species.
“Beavers are environmental engineers,” Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, said. “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. Under license from Natural England, the release of wild beavers will be managed to secure the long-term environmental benefits while seeking to minimize and avoid unwanted impacts.”
A new policy statement outlined the new licensing system, support for landowners and farmers, and a plan for the long-term management of beaver in England. The policy said that the plan will help avoid any impacts on farming, food production and infrastructure.
“It’s important to us, and the communities we work in, that beaver releases across wider landscapes happen in a responsible, carefully managed way,” Hilary McGrady, director general of the National Trust, said. “This licensing process is in everyone’s best interests. It will lead to well-chosen sites, minimize disruption to other landowners, and ensure local communities are fully consulted and involved enabling both people and nature thrive.”
Follow Defenders of Wildlife to help continue to protect beavers.
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