Beavers released back into wild to stop flooding

BEAVERS have been released into the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire in the hope they will naturally engineer the environment against flooding and help bring back lost wildlife.

The animals became extinct in Britain in the 16th century, and only a handful have since been reintroduced in Scotland.

But the Department of Environment (Defra) and the Forestry Commission have agreed to release two animals into the wild at Greathough Brook, at Lydbrook, near the Welsh border.

Michael Gove, Environment Secretary, who helped release the beavers, said: “The beaver has a special place in English heritage and the Forest of Dean.

“This release is a fantastic opportunity to develop our understanding of the potential impacts of reintroductions and help this iconic species, 400 years after it was driven to extinction.

“The project is an example of our wider approach to enhancing biodiversity. It is another step towards our aim of leaving the environment in a better state for future generations.”

Eurasian beavers were once widespread in Britain but were hunted to extinction for their meat, fur and scent glands (used in food and perfume).

However they are viewed by conservationists as “ecosystem engineers” because they create important habitats for many other plants, insects and mammals. Their ability to fell trees and dam shallow watercourses allows the formation of pools, wetlands, interconnecting beaver canals, coppiced woodland and glades.

Ecologists are hopeful that the reintroduction of the beavers could bring back water vole, glow worms and the wood white and pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies, which are no longer found in the area because of habitat loss.

A recent trial by Exeter University also showed beaver dams help prevent flooding and clean up polluted rivers.