England is set to reintroduce wild beavers into its waterways under a new government-backed initiative, marking a significant milestone for UK conservation efforts. The move aims to restore biodiversity and improve waterway resilience against floods and droughts.
Return of a Keystone Species
The UK’s environment department announced that the first Eurasian beaver releases under the new scheme will take place in southwest England. Beavers, which were hunted to extinction in Britain in the 16th century for their fur, meat, and scent glands, have gradually made a comeback through controlled reintroductions and natural expansion.
Biologists classify beavers as a “keystone species” due to their ability to reshape ecosystems by building dams and creating pools that support diverse wildlife. Currently, an estimated 500 beavers are already living in the wild in England due to previous escapes and unauthorized releases.
Balancing Conservation and Farming Concerns
Despite their ecological benefits, beaver reintroduction remains controversial, particularly among farmers concerned about potential damage to their land. National Farmers’ Union head Tom Bradshaw has emphasized the need for landowners to retain the right to “lethal control” if beavers disrupt farming operations.
Under the new scheme, each reintroduction project must submit a 10-year management plan. The government has also pledged to assist farmers willing to accommodate beavers on their land. In extreme cases, problematic beavers may be relocated or, as a last resort, culled.
This initiative aligns with broader “rewilding” efforts aimed at restoring England’s depleted countryside, signaling a new chapter in the nation’s approach to wildlife conservation.