Plea to protect our ‘booming’ beavers
BEAVERS living wild on English rivers should be allowed to stay, campaigners have urged.
The mammals are making a comeback after being hunted to extinction and should be given legal status as a native species, say plans drawn up by Beaver Trust.
The call comes after those on Devon’s River Otter were given permanent right to remain.
The Environment Department (Defra) is to consult on a national approach as well as more releases into the wild. Conservationists support the return of the beavers, whose dams create wetlands, prevent flooding and boost the quality of water.
But farmers and anglers have raised concerns about damage to farmland and fish species.
James Wallace, of Beaver Trust, said: “We recognise the need to help mitigate risks.
“So we are convening diverse interest groups to create a strategy that works for everyone.”