Some excellent news! .... especially following my own personal encounters with Beavers in Devon in June 2022 .... see here and here.
Wildlife Trusts - New legal protections edge England closer towards wild Beaver return
On 21st July 2022, the Government confirmed that Beavers are to be legally
protected in England from being captured, killed, injured or disturbed without
a licence. It will also be illegal to damage where they breed. This
Just 2 days earlier, the Government pulled the regulations that were due to be laid before Parliament putting in jeopardy ambitions to see wild Beavers return to England. However, following numerous representations, the regulations were adopted before the summer recess.
Beavers, which were once widespread in the UK but hunted to extinction over 400 years ago, have already been reintroduced at some sites. The first wild Beavers were released in Scotland in 2009 where the species was granted legal protection 10 years later.
In England, the Government has now at last taken the first legislative step towards securing an amendment to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 that will protect Beavers from October 2022.
This comes as the wider release of Beavers into the wild is currently being considered. Trials in England and Wales have been assessing the impact of Beavers on the environment, with studies showing that the semi-aquatic mammals can slow river flows with their dams which can protect land from flooding and create habitats for other native species.
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive of the Wildlife Trusts said: "We're delighted to see the Government give Beavers the vital protections they deserve. It is important that guidance is now developed quickly to bring farmers and landowners on board with reintroductions of these brilliant animals, providing reassurance and, crucially, incentives to make space for Beavers on their land."
Harry Barton, Chief Executive of the Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “Our long-term studies demonstrate how spectacularly beneficial Beavers are for healthy rivers, creating vital wetland habitat, and helping landscapes adapt to climate change. It’s a relief that Government has listened to the public and moved forward with these protections, which provide communities across the country with opportunities to benefit from these remarkable creatures. The legal framework must complement practical and sensible approaches to management. Landowners must also be given the right support and financial motivations to make space for beavers and the valuable wetlands they create.”
Sandra King, Chief Executive of the Beaver Trust, said: "A huge relief for the restoration of Beavers in England that the Government have seen sense and that this is going ahead as planned. We look forward to working with our colleagues in The Wildlife Trusts to welcome these fantastic ecosystem engineers back to our land as soon as possible."
Tony Juniper, the Chair of Natural England, said: "This is a significant moment for Beaver recovery, as we see a return of this species to its natural places in England. We are working closely with landowners, environmentalists and other stakeholders to develop practical guidance to ensure these wonderful animals are able to thrive in suitable habitats alongside people across England."
Here are some of my photos of Beavers on the River Otter in Devon ....
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Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature
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