New Beaver Reintroduction Proposals Considered by Welsh Government
The Welsh Government is currently examining new proposals for the managed reintroduction of beavers in Wales. This comes after a delayed expert review that was originally scheduled to conclude in spring 2023 has now been completed. The review of evidence was conducted by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), an environmental body.
Beavers, semi-aquatic mammals known for improving river water quality and aiding in water flow management, have been the focus of discussions. While beavers are protected in Scotland and England, they do not have the same status in Wales, where they are not considered native species. European beavers were previously extinct in Britain but have started making a return in Wales through managed enclosures and unlicensed releases.
In January 2023, the Welsh Government tasked NRW with assessing the feasibility of reintroducing beavers and awaited the results by spring of the same year. The potential benefits of beaver reintroduction, such as enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health, were acknowledged, along with the need for careful management to prevent any negative impacts.
Following the delayed expert review, NRW has confirmed that it has finalised its work in collaboration with Welsh Government officials. The focus now shifts to developing a policy framework and protection measures for beavers in Wales. The review aimed to assess the evidence on beavers in the Welsh context and identify any gaps in knowledge.
The Welsh Government is now considering a set of proposals based on the review outcomes. This includes exploring options for legally protecting European beavers in Wales, as well as outlining policy and management strategies. Previous funding has been provided for beaver projects in Wales, such as the licensed enclosure at Cors Dyfi near Machynlleth.
Advocates for beavers, including the Wildlife Trusts Wales Welsh beaver project, emphasise the ecological benefits of beavers in managing vegetation and promoting biodiversity. However, concerns have also been raised, such as the potential flooding risk posed by beaver dams to agricultural land.
Looking ahead, there is a call for the Welsh Government to align its legislation regarding beavers with Scotland and England. The Wildlife Trusts have urged for full legal protection for beavers and suggested incentivising farmers and land managers to allocate space for water conservation efforts.
The UK Government has expressed support for species reintroduction initiatives that offer clear benefits to nature and the environment, indicating a collaborative effort with Natural England on beaver reintroduction projects in England. With beaver reintroduction under consideration in Wales, stakeholders await further developments on the future of these iconic mammals in the Welsh landscape.