England’s first wild colony of breeding beavers is to be allowed to remain living wild on a Devon waterway. The River Otter has been home to as many as ten Eurasian beavers in recent months and the Government has, as of Wednesday 28 January, given The Wildlife Trusts the go ahead to let the animals remain there following necessary health checks.
Devon’s beaver colony is the first confirmed breeding population in England for several hundred years. Hunted to extinction in the UK, probably during the 18th century, it is unknown where exactly this new colony has come from and its discovery has sparked controversy.
Conflicting opinions surrounding the rodents’ activity have raised concerns about their impact on our landscape and agriculture. According to Harry Barton, chief executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, however, the presence of beavers could be beneficial: “This is an historic moment… We believe they can play a positive role in the landscapes of the 21st century through their ability to restore our rivers to their former glories.”
It is thought that the creatures’ ability to transform the landscapes in which they live includes creating a mosaic of ponds, canals and wetland habitats to enhance habitats for other wildlife and engineering more absorbent landscapes to help prevent flooding, and filter through cleaner water. The beavers on the River Otter will also be tested to ensure that they do not present a disease risk to humans and livestock.
It would appear that the local and national population of supporters would agree with Barton – £45,000 was raised by Devon Wildlife Trust in as few as eight weeks. Commenting on the recent landmark decision, Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trust, said: “This is wonderful news. I hope that the decision to allow this fascinating and once commonplace native species to remain on the River Otter symbolises a change in our relationship with the natural world, and a wider appreciation that nature makes our lives richer.”
Natural England has granted Devon Wildlife Trust the permission to monitor the River Otter beavers, alongside further beaver trials in another part of the country, the results of which will be published in 2016. Announcements about the future for beavers in Scotland and Wales are expected later this year.
Inspired to get involved?
Although the River Otter Beaver Trial has now been granted Government approval to go ahead, it still needs sufficient funds to get started. You can help ensure the future of Devon’s beavers by contributing to the £54,000 needed to demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to the authorities. To find out more about the appeal, visit Devon Wildlife Trust.
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England’s first wild colony of breeding beavers is to be allowed to remain living wild on a Devon waterway. The River Otter has been home to as many as ten Eurasian beavers in recent months and the Government has, as of Wednesday 28 January, given The Wildlife Trusts the go ahead to let the animals remain there following necessary health checks.
Devon’s beaver colony is the first confirmed breeding population in England for several hundred years. Hunted to extinction in the UK, probably during the 18th century, it is unknown where exactly this new colony has come from and its discovery has sparked controversy.
Conflicting opinions surrounding the rodents’ activity have raised concerns about their impact on our landscape and agriculture. According to Harry Barton, chief executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, however, the presence of beavers could be beneficial: “This is an historic moment… We believe they can play a positive role in the landscapes of the 21st century through their ability to restore our rivers to their former glories.”
It is thought that the creatures’ ability to transform the landscapes in which they live includes creating a mosaic of ponds, canals and wetland habitats to enhance habitats for other wildlife and engineering more absorbent landscapes to help prevent flooding, and filter through cleaner water. The beavers on the River Otter will also be tested to ensure that they do not present a disease risk to humans and livestock.
It would appear that the local and national population of supporters would agree with Barton – £45,000 was raised by Devon Wildlife Trust in as few as eight weeks. Commenting on the recent landmark decision, Stephanie Hilborne OBE, chief executive of The Wildlife Trust, said: “This is wonderful news. I hope that the decision to allow this fascinating and once commonplace native species to remain on the River Otter symbolises a change in our relationship with the natural world, and a wider appreciation that nature makes our lives richer.”
Natural England has granted Devon Wildlife Trust the permission to monitor the River Otter beavers, alongside further beaver trials in another part of the country, the results of which will be published in 2016. Announcements about the future for beavers in Scotland and Wales are expected later this year.
Inspired to get involved?
Although the River Otter Beaver Trial has now been granted Government approval to go ahead, it still needs sufficient funds to get started. You can help ensure the future of Devon’s beavers by contributing to the £54,000 needed to demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to the authorities. To find out more about the appeal, visit Devon Wildlife Trust.
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