Wild beavers could be introduced in Wigan and Leigh after being extinct in the area for more than 500 years.
Plans being developed by Wigan Greenheart Landscape Recovery Scheme could see the borough licensed to release the furry species into the wild in a bid to improve wetlands.
A letter to members from Wigan council said beavers influence and modify the places they live and could enhance conservation work already taking place.
Flood risk and drought resilience
The council said the creatures' dam building behaviour could help hold back water to help reduce flood risk, increase resilience to drought and improve water quality.
The letter added: “A wild beaver release could also deliver a range of wider benefits to the borough, including connecting residents with nature to support health and wellbeing, encouraging the growth of local tourism and associated business development, and further enhancing the borough’s national profile.”
The borough’s land recovery scheme covers a combined area of more than 1,400 hectares, including the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh National Nature Reserve.
Scheme among 22 pilots
The scheme is one of 22 in the first round of pilots for environmental land management schemes in England.
Beavers are understood to have become extinct in Britain in the 16th century due to overhunting. However, due to their perceived positive benefits to wetlands, strictly licensed re-introductions have taken place.
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 this country for centuries.
Licensing and local support
The letter to councillors has been published by Independent councillor Steve Jones, who represents the Bryn ward at the town hall.
An invitation to a briefing about the plans said: “Working with partners and other collaborators, the project will undertake the feasibility studies, assessments, stakeholder engagement and planning required to support a full licence application to Natural England – a critical step towards a wild beaver release.
“As both the local authority and landowner of many of the potential release points being considered, Wigan council’s support is fundamental to the licensing process and central to the project’s success.
“The endorsement of elected members and senior officers will therefore be important in helping to take the project forward.”
Coun Jones described the wildlife news as ‘exciting’ and asked for the views of constituents. He received a largely enthusiastic response, one commenter saying ‘love this it’s been very positive everywhere else’ and another posting ‘great initiative, definite yes from me’.
