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Beavers win legal protection from today

  • by JW

Beaver Trust and The Wildlife Trusts are concerned that it does not give sufficient support to landowners.

As we experience more frequent heatwaves and drought, the potential role of beavers in safeguarding against the risks has captured widespread attention.

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Beavers are to be protected – although there is still discussion about how this will happen:

Beavers win legal protection: further debate – Vision Group for Sidmouth

As of today, beavers will receive considerable protection:

Eurasian Beaver now legally protected in England – BBC News

The Wildlife Trusts are celebrating – but with a caveat:

More support needed for landowners to enable beavers’ return, say The Wildlife Trusts and Beaver Trust.

Today, The Wildlife Trusts and Beaver Trust are celebrating as beavers are now officially recognised as a native species in England and a European protected species. The new law, which came into force at midnight last night, is good news for this extraordinary mammal which can do so much to restore wetlands across Britain.

The Wildlife Trusts pioneered the reintroduction of beavers and are now calling for greater clarity and urgency from the Government in relation to the plans for the widespread return of the animals.

The Government published guidance in early September which outlines how beavers might be managed in the future. But both Beaver Trust and The Wildlife Trusts are concerned that it does not give sufficient support to landowners – and that the proposals lack ambition and detail. The charities warn that, in their current form, the plans will not deliver the widespread reintroduction of a species which scientific studies have shown can improve water quality in rivers, stabilise water flows during times of drought and flood, store carbon and boost other wildlife.

Historic day for beavers in England | The Wildlife Trusts

We do indeed to recognise what exactly beavers can do:

Beavers can do wonders for nature – but we should be realistic about these benefits extending to people

The beaver is a unique ecosystem engineer that can create a landscape that would otherwise not exist, thanks to the animal’s ability to build dams. As we experience more frequent heatwaves and drought, the potential role of beavers in safeguarding against these risks has captured widespread attention.

Beaver habitats are claimed to lower local stream and air temperatures, and by maintaining water supplies, provide insurance against drought. Greater water storage may also improve the resilience of a landscape towards wildfire.

However, it is important to consider the significance of beaver habitats as a solution to our changing climate from both human and wildlife perspectives. It’s not as simple as saying beavers can protect human society against the effects of extreme weather.

Beavers can do wonders for nature – but we should be realistic about these benefits extending to people

How can beavers help mitigate the effects climate change? | World Economic Forum