Beaver dies in rewilding project

ONE of two Eurasian beavers released into a London country park this year more than 400 years after the species became extinct in Britain has been found dead.

The pair, a male from Yorkshire and a female from Scotland, were introduced to Forty Hall Farm in Enfield, north London, in March as part of a scheme to reintroduce the once endangered animals into the UK.

It was hoped the pair would mate, but on Friday it emerged the male had died of natural causes. The female is safe and well.

A spokesman for Enfield council said experts were happy the beavers’ environment was good, and stringent health monitoring is in place.

They added: “It is our intention to find a suitable replacement beaver as soon as it is feasible. Enfield council is in discussions in respect to another beaver release at the appropriate season.”