Beaver protection guidance urges long-term funding for England reintroduction
The Wildlife Trust and Beaver Trust have published new guidance for the practical support and funding “needed to welcome beavers back across England while ensuring both farmers and beavers can thrive.” The two organisations warn that the government must secure long-term support to ensure the success of the animal’s reintroduction.
They are urging the government to provide long-term support, warning that future cuts to nature-friendly farming grants may “undermine the successful return of this native species.
The Wildlife Trust and Beaver Trust are calling on the government to provide long-term funding to farmers to create beaver-friendly habitats including restored riverbanks and wetlands and equip them to facilitate the return of the animals to their land. It is also calling on incentives to encourage coordinated action along river corridors across neighbouring farms, and to establish a Beaver Mitigation Fund to support farmers and landowners minimise the mammal’s impact and ensure “all support is simple, flexible and accessible, so that they can respond easily as beavers return.”
After beavers were hunted to extinction over 400 years ago, they are now recognised as a European Protected Species and an increasingly valuable but threatened part of the natural environment in England.
“With the right support, returning beavers can greatly benefit farming and the wider landscape by building dams that slow water, helping to restore rivers, reduce flood risk, ease drought, and create thriving wetlands that support a rich diversity of wildlife,” the Wildlife Trust said.
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
