environment

'A beaver blind date': animals given freedom to repopulate Cornish rivers

Release into Helman Tor reserve marks historical first for keystone species hunted to extinction in UK 400 years ago

'A beaver blind date': animals given freedom to repopulate Cornish rivers

TL;DR

  • The first legal release of beavers into a river system in English history occurred in Cornwall.
  • Beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK approximately 400 years ago.
  • Beavers are a keystone species known for their ability to improve habitats through dam-building, which helps manage water levels and supports biodiversity.
  • The licensing process for beaver releases has been criticized for being slow and expensive.
  • Despite bureaucratic hurdles, plans are in place to release more beavers across England this year, including on major river catchments.

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