Beavers are officially back! The latest programme to reintroduce beavers to the wild has been approved, meaning wild beavers are soon going to become something you can see for yourself. However, will this have an impact on England’s existing environment, and (most importantly) are we going to be able to see any beavers swimming around Devon?
Around four hundred years ago, beavers were hunted to extinction in England, and now for the first time since, they’re making their big comeback. Beavers are classed as semi-aquatic rodents and normally found in freshwater habitats, such as rivers. They are often referred to as ‘ecosystem engineers’ because of their ability to cause change on the environment. They build dams which can slow rivers, prevent flooding, purify water and help promote biodiversity.
[Beavers] build dams which can slow rivers, prevent flooding, purify water and help promote biodiversity.
Beavers are planned to be released under a new licensing system, which will be overseen and controlled by Natural England. The process has been described as ‘complex’ and has required lots of planning and collaboration. They believe that this reintroduction will play a massive part in restoring river and wetland areas throughout the country. Currently, Natural England have created a five-step approach to manage the new influx of beavers.
[Natural England] believe that this reintroduction will play a massive part in restoring river and wetland areas throughout the country.
However, some are worried that this is not enough to control and manage the population of beavers. Farmers in particular are worried that without good management, these beavers could have negative effects on food production. The National Farmers Union has said they want culling to become allowed if the beavers become disruptive. Culling is the practice of selective slaughter to control a wild animal population. The NFU has also stated that the governments five-step plan does not provide long term management. While beavers have already started to be reintroduced, despite concerns, it is currently unclear on how this will affect farmers in years to come.
The Devon Wildlife Trust has led beaver conservation projects for more than a decade. In fact, the River Otter beaver trail was England’s first reintroduction project. Under Natural England’s new licence, more beavers will now be allowed to be introduced, however every release will need a ten-year project plan. Currently, beaver populations will be protected to expand naturally. This includes the populations on the rivers: Tamar, Taw and Exe.
While the reintroduction of beavers will probably be slow and spread out, this change could help protect and revive parts of England’s natural landscape. While the long term affects are still in debate, the short term joy of seeing a wild beaver is sure to be shared throughout the country.
