PREVIEW

Leave it to beaver: Dam-building critters to help fight floods after return to the wild on Exmoor. Beavers are back living in the wild on Exmoor - as part of a rewilding programme that could help resolve some of Britain’s flooding problems. The National Trust released a family and pair of Eurasian beavers at two sites as part of a wider release across the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor in Somerset. In addition to enhancing our natural habitat, it is hoped the beavers’ unique damming abilities could help the fight against flooding. “These extraordinary creatures are brilliant for biodiversity, reduce flood risk and improve water quality in our rivers,” Nature Minister Mary Creagh said. “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.” With the south-west of England recently experiencing severe flooding, the Trust emphasises that beavers are not a quick fix, but can play their part. The wild release is the second by the charity granted under licence from Natural England since a major policy shift on species reintroductions in England came into force early last year. The wider release will include introducing beavers into the Trust’s ground‑breaking ‘Stage 0’ floodplain reconnection on the River Aller which was inspired by river restoration approaches first trialled in Oregon, USA. This project created a dynamic, sprawling floodplain wetland mosaic by moving more than 4,000 tonnes of earth to infill the straightened river channel, instantly reconnecting the watercourse with its floodplain. The project involved laying hundreds of tonnes of deadwood across the floodplain, planting wetland plugs, wildflower seeds and native trees to give the site an ecological kick start. Stewart Clarke, Senior National Freshwater and Estuary Specialist concluded: “As beavers return to our landscapes, we need to ensure they have the space to do what they do best — create thriving wetlands that benefit wildlife and people.”