Wild beavers could return to Wigan for the first time in 500 years under plans being developed by the Wigan Greenheart Landscape Recovery Scheme. The proposals could eventually see the borough licensed to release the animals into the wild, where their dam-building could help hold back water, reduce flood risk and protect against drought.
Benefits for landscape and community
According to details sent to Wigan Council members, the beavers' return could also improve water quality and boost conservation work across the borough. The benefits could extend beyond the environment, with the letter stating that a wild beaver release could connect residents with nature to support health and wellbeing, encourage local tourism and associated business development, and enhance the borough's national profile.
Beavers once lived across Britain but are understood to have been hunted to extinction by the 16th century. Tightly controlled reintroductions have been taking place because of the benefits they can bring to wetlands. Earlier this week, Pensthorpe Natural Park in Fakenham, Norfolk, reported that a pair of beavers had been spotted with two kits, believed to be the first baby beavers born in the wild in the country for centuries.
Licensing and next steps
The borough's landscape recovery scheme spans more than 1,400 hectares, including the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve, and is one of 22 projects in the first round of environmental land management scheme pilots in England. Any release remains some way off, with studies and assessments still needed before a full application can be made to Natural England.
An invitation to councillors for a briefing on the proposals said the project will undertake feasibility studies, assessments, stakeholder engagement and planning required to support a full licence application to Natural England. As both the local authority and landowner of many potential release points, Wigan Council's support is fundamental to the licensing process, and the endorsement of elected members and senior officers will be important in taking the project forward.
Independent councillor Steve Jones, who represents Bryn and published the letter, described the prospect as "exciting" and asked constituents what they thought of the plans. The response was largely enthusiastic, with one person saying "love this it's been very positive everywhere else" while another wrote "great initiative, definite yes from me".
