UK Nature and Environment

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Scheme to release beavers into wild in England has stalled, say nature experts (www.theguardian.com)

submitted 1 month ago by GreyShuck@feddit.uk to c/nature@feddit.uk

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When the first pair of beavers to be legally released in England crawled sleepily from their crates into the ponds of Purbeck Heath in Dorset, it seemed like a watershed moment for wildlife in the UK.

Wildlife charities rejoiced as ministers finally agreed for the nature-boosting rodents to be released, subject to licence, into the wild. Nature-friendly farmers kept an eager eye out for the application forms, hoping they could host the fascinating creatures on their land.

But nature experts say the scheme has stalled, with not a single licence granted since those beavers were let loose on the National Trust reserve in March. The Guardian understands 40 expressions of interest have been sent to the government since then, 20 of which are from the Wildlife Trusts, but none have yet been granted a release licence.

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[–] Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 5 points 1 month ago (2 children)

Wouldn't they spread out on their own now regardless of if land owners give them permission or not?

[–] GreyShuck@feddit.uk 5 points 1 month ago

They will spread - but usually along the river catchment where they started. It would take a while for them to establish on other river systems.

However, due to the delays in legal releases, there are also quite a few illegal releases. That's not always ideal, but is probably the quickest way that they are spreading just at the moment.

[–] Theoriginalthon@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

They are fenced in

[–] Korhaka@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Do the beavers respect the authority of fences?

[–] Theoriginalthon@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

In general yes, however much like sheep no. I'm sure that some beaver colonies in the south west set up after escaping from fenced areas, that led to the governments relaxation on them.

Most of my info comes from leave curious on youtube