<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/28/beavers-released-english-waterways-government-licence>
"The release of beavers into English waterways is to be allowed for the first
time in centuries, the
Guardian can reveal.
The environment secretary, Steve Reed, is to announce that nature groups will
be able to get a licence for the release. The first releases could happen this
autumn.
Until about 20 years ago, the rodent had been extinct in Britain for 400 years,
having been hunted for their fur, meat and scent oil. But in recent years,
beavers have been returning to our waterways via licensed releases into
enclosures and some illegal releases. There are estimated to be about 500
living in the wild in England.
Beavers create useful habitats for wildlife and reduce flooding by breaking up
waterways, slowing water flow and creating still pools.
The government will set out a new approach that will allow beavers to live
wild. Release projects will need to set out a 10-year plan to show where and
how they would have an impact on the landscape.
It is understood there were hesitations in government over releasing the
beavers, and Reed’s plan was stalled by No 10 because of concerns it was a
Conservative legacy project that could needlessly upset farmers. After the
Guardian reported this blocking of the policy, there was outcry from wildlife
groups. Defra was in recent days given the green light for the announcement.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is understood to have
made representations to Downing Street that beavers could be part of Labour’s
growth mission, as the rodents work for free to build infrastructure and
restore nature. The industrious animals recently saved the Czech government £1m
by building a dam.
Richard Benwell, the chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, welcomed
the news. “Restoring nature means restoring whole ecosystems, and few can beat
the beaver in helping bring landscapes to life,” he said.
“These much-loved animals can help restore rivers and wetlands and reduce
flooding and drought. Their eco-engineering creates diverse habitats that are
great for local communities and for wildlife. It’s high time for wild releases
and excellent that the government is making progress.”"
Via
Positive.News
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
