The UK government has announced new legislation that will provide legal protection for beavers in England and could pave the way for the animals to be released into the wild under licence.
The Wildlife Trust welcomes the protection of ‘natural engineers’, calling for sound management guidance and incentives for landowners to make room for beavers on their lands.
Beavers are key to creating thriving wetland ecosystems – which are essential for climate adaptation – and provide a wealth of benefits to nature and people.
uproar
The government had promised the legislation would be tabled in parliament last month, but it was scrapped at the last minute, causing an uproar among nature charities and the wider public.
The change in legal status would make it a crime to knowingly capture, kill, disturb or injure beavers, or destroy their breeding grounds or habitat, without proper permission. The legislation is scheduled to take effect in the fall.
In the meantime, Natural England is developing guidelines on beaver management, stipulating what behaviours do or don’t require a permit and where people can go for advice.
recover
Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trust, said: “We are delighted that the UK government is giving beavers the important protection they deserve.
“It’s important now to quickly develop guidelines to engage farmers and landowners in the reintroduction of these wonderful animals, providing peace of mind and, more importantly, incentives for beavers to make room on their lands.
“The widespread return of wild beavers can be a game-changer to restore lost wetlands, benefit a variety of wildlife, and help people by blocking water in the landscape, reducing the risk of wildfires, and reducing the risk of downstream flooding.”
“Bringing back wild beavers isn’t just a dream, it’s a key part of solving the climate and natural crisis,” he continued.
wetlands
Beavers are a “cornerstone” species that have a very positive impact on their environment. The industrious herbivores were native to the British mainland but were hunted to extinction in the 1700s by those who wanted their fur, meat and scent glands.
The extinction of beavers led to the disappearance of the mosaic of lakes, swamps, swamps, swamps and swamps in which they played a role in their creation.
Harry Barton, chief executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “The legal framework must be complemented by a practical and sensible management approach.
“Land owners must also be given the right support and economic incentives to make room for beavers and the precious wetlands they create.”
ambitious
The Wildlife Trust is urging the government to support ambitious and targeted reintroduction projects and reward landowners who make room for wetlands created by beavers.
