Organisations are working together to support the reintroduction of Eurasian beavers across their former range in Britain.
They became extinct in the 16th century, mainly because of hunting for their fur, meat and ‘castoreum’, a secretion used in perfumes, food and medicine. (RSPB)
But now, for the first time in four centuries, they may even be returning to England’s capital city, with a pair set to be released in Paradise Fields, Ealing.
As beavers provide a wholly positive impact on their environment by providing a natural coppicing service, encouraging regrowth of plants and trees, they are considered a ‘keystone species’, and also create wetlands by building dams, forming vast habitats for wildlife and improving river flow and overall water health.
In 2022, beavers were given legal protection in England, making it illegal to kill or harm them.
