In a significant move for conservation, beavers have been legally released at two distinct sites in Somerset as part of ambitious efforts to restore a river and wetland ecosystem. The releases, which took place on Tuesday, involved a mother beaver and her three offspring at one location, and a pair of Eurasian beavers at another, all set free across the National Trust's expansive Holnicote Estate on Exmoor in Somerset.
Licensed Release Marks Conservation Milestone
Natural England granted the National Trust its second licence to release beavers into the wild, following an initial release on the charity's Purbeck Estate in Dorset back in March. This latest step builds upon earlier introductions in 2020, when beavers were placed into enclosed areas of the Holnicote Estate, paving the way for this broader, wild release.
Transforming the Landscape for Nature
Ben Eardley, project manager at the National Trust, expressed immense excitement about the project. He stated, 'This is incredibly exciting and is the latest step in our ambitions to restore a huge swathe of Somerset countryside and moorland to help bring back nature. Beavers are extraordinary partners in our work to restore nature at scale.'
Eardley highlighted the transformative impact beavers have had in recent years, noting how their dams and wetlands reshape the landscape, create vital habitats, and help mitigate both floods and droughts. He emphasised that each beaver pair or family requires its own space, and across the estate, they will have the opportunity to establish territories, enabling them to create wetlands, ponds, and dams, thereby enriching the environment in unique ways.
Vital Ecological Role of Beavers
Beavers play a crucial role in ecosystem management by slowing water flow, creating and maintaining wetland habitats, reducing erosion, and improving water quality. Their return is seen as a boon for biodiversity, addressing long-standing environmental challenges in the region.
Historical Context and Legal Protection
Beavers became extinct in Britain over 400 years ago due to hunting for their pelts, meat, and glands. However, they have gradually made a comeback in England's rivers through escapes from enclosures and illegal releases. In a landmark decision, beavers were granted legal protection in 2022, bolstering conservation efforts. They have also been introduced to numerous fenced wetland and river sites across the country.
Conservation Calls and Concerns
Conservationists have long advocated for licensed wild returns to the wider English countryside to enhance wildlife in the UK. Despite the benefits, there have been concerns about potential negative impacts, such as beavers flooding roads, properties, and farmland, or targeting crops like maize and cricket bat willow. These issues underscore the need for careful management and community engagement.
Government Support and Broader Releases
Nature minister Mary Creagh commented on the release, saying, 'It was a privilege to witness beavers returning to Somerset. These extraordinary creatures are brilliant for biodiversity, reduce flood risk and improve water quality in our rivers. The return of beavers is a vital part of this Government's mission to protect and restore nature and we're working closely with local communities to maximise their benefits.'
In a related development, on Monday, two pairs of beavers were released by Cornwall Wildlife Trust into the Par and Fowey river catchments, indicating a growing trend of beaver reintroductions across England to support ecological restoration and climate resilience.
