Majority Of Islanders Support Release Of Beavers On Isle Of Wight, Survey Finds

The majority of Islanders surveyed would support the release of wild beavers on the Isle of Wight, a consultation has found.

A questionnaire, from the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT), was sent to every home on the Island in February.

It asked residents for their views on a potential release of the aquatic mammals in the Eastern Yar valley.

A total of 4,883 people responded to the consultation with 89 per cent stating they feel positive about the move.

Izzie Tween, from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said:

“It’s encouraging that a majority of respondents are in favour of a beaver release on the Isle of Wight and see the benefits beavers could bring.

“We also recognise and value those who raised comments and concerns. We’ll continue to consult and liaise closely with stakeholders, especially local landowners who may be directly impacted in the event of a release.

“Ultimately, as a Trust, we believe a beaver release on the Isle of Wight could offer a wealth of opportunities to enhance our climate resilience, restore nature and boost the local economy for many years to come.”

The survey results confirmed 88 per cent of respondents believe beavers would benefit other wildlife on the Isle of Wight, while 81 per cent of people felt the mammals would positively impact local flooding and water quality.

Of those who completed the questionnaire, 73 per cent said they thought beavers could boost the local economy on the Isle of Wight, while 87 per cent thought the presence of beavers would contribute to people’s ability to connect with nature.

Some residents raised questions about the potential impacts of beavers on the island, especially those who live in closer proximity to a watercourse.

The Trust says it will work closely with riverside property owners and landowners to assess the likely level of impact beavers may have on their land. They’ll also offer impact mitigation options, including tree protection and dam manipulation solutions.

Separately, the government has also recently announced a suite of compensation measures to help landowners protect trees and permanent crops against potential damage caused by beaver activity.

Following the public consultation, the Trust hopes to submit a licence application – which is needed for any beaver release in the UK – to Natural England.

Currently, though, Natural England are not accepting licence applications while it works with DEFRA to finalise the national beaver strategy after running their own public consultation last year.

If the Trust’s eventual licence application is successful, it’s hoped the first beavers could be released on the Island by 2024.