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
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.