Eco-beavers to the rescue

BEAVERS can act as “ecosystem engineers” to help restore wetlands and boost biodiversity, says a report out today.

Researchers at Stirling university studied the creatures’ effect on a wetland drained for farming.

Over 12 years, plant richness rose by 46% and the types of plants doubled as the beavers built 640ft of dams and 1,600ft of canals.

Professor Nigel Willby said: “Beavers are now being considered as tools for restoring wetlands.”