A couple of short videos have recently been published about the amazing Eurasian Beaver and the benefits that it brings as a keystone species and eco-system engineer.
The 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 saw my first 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 June 2022, I had an incredible experience watching and photographing Beavers on the River Otter in Devon .... see here.
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.
In October 2022, the UK Government eventually caught up with public and scientific opinion on the need and desire to re-introduce Beavers.
Beavers have now been classed as a native European Protected species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 making it illegal to capture, kill, injure or disturb them.
European Beavers and their habitat are now subject to new protections and the Government has set out important advice for landowners to help them welcome Beavers back while sensibly managing any localised impacts that might arise.
This is a major win brought about by campaigning from numerous organisations and individuals over a lengthy period of time.
SS15 wildlife watching: Today European Beavers finally receive legal protection in the UK
💚🦆 🦉🦋🐝🦊🦡🌼 🌳💚
Stay safe, stay well, stay strong, stay connected with nature
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