The Beaver Trust are campaigning for the widespread reintroduction of Beavers in the UK.
The reasons are abundantly clear when you realise what benefits these remarkable mammals bring .... see here.
James Wallace, the Chief Executive of the Beaver Trust, has recently written an article which in my view is one of the best written, best argued and most well balanced and intelligent pieces that I have ever read. It is definitely a "must read".
The Eurasian Beaver is a native mammal of the UK and its range once covered the whole of the country and much of Europe. It was hunted to near-extinction for both its fur and castoreum. At the turn of the 20th century, only about 1200 Beavers survived in 8 relict populations in Europe and Asia although it has since been reintroduced to much of its former range.
I have seen several Beavers in Estonia and signs of their activity in Poland. I have seen just one free-living Beaver in the UK, at SWT Loch of the Lowes near Dunkeld in Perthshire in June 2019 although I did visit the Scottish Beaver Trial re-introduction site at Knapdale in Argyll in November 2011 which provided numerous signs of Beaver activity.
In the UK, the Beaver became extinct in the 16th century but in recent years a number of managed captive release schemes have been set up whilst free-living Beaver populations have been allowed to remain, primarily in Scotland, Wales and the south west of England.
Where can Beavers be seen in the UK?
A long-awaited and promised Beaver Strategy for England by the Government remains conspicuous by its absence, despite the campaigning pressure of the Beaver Trust and many other conservation and environmental organisations.
Beavers build back better – but their future is not secure
I am looking forward to eventually seeing Beavers in Essex at Spains Hall Estate in Finchingfield and at some of the rewilding sites and nature reserves across the UK that have current or proposed managed captive release schemes. Ultimately, it would be wonderful to see Beavers restored to their rightful place in the UK natural environment.
Why are Beavers so important?
Beavers are eco-system engineers and provide a very important free nature-based solution to many of the growing challenges that we face with the climate emergency and biodiversity loss .... they could be a "totem for reconnection and recovery" according to James Wallace.
The wetlands created and maintained by Beavers ....
Clean water – Beaver dams and ponds filter out pollutants such as agricultural chemicalsCapture carbon – Beaver dams hold back silt that locks up carbon while the huge amount of new plant growth also forms a carbon sink
Reduce flooding – Beaver dams and pool systems slow the speed of water flowing through the system and prevent flooding downstream
Prevent drought – Beaver ponds hold water for use in periods of drought
Support abundant nature – Beaver ponds provide nurseries for invertebrates, fish and amphibians while clearings fill with wild flowers attracting insects and birds
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