Revealed: Plans For Beavers To Be Introduced On The Isle Of Wight

Friday, 12 February 2021 10:02

By Iona Stewart-Richardson @IslandIona

Beavers could be released on the Isle of Wight for the first time ever - as part of a new project by The Wildlife Trusts.

Scroll for pictures

Subject to a successful licence application, the Trust plans to release beavers in the Eastern Yar after a very positive feasibility research study proved the habitat would suit them well.

It is hoped that they can be officially released into an open area, rather than fenced enclosures. The Trust is looking forward to discussions with landowners and local communities about a potential beaver release over the course of the year.

The Wildlife Trusts are releasing a record number of beavers in 2021 – twenty years after bringing the first ever beavers back to Britain.

Plans developed by Wildlife Trusts of Dorset, Derbyshire, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Nottinghamshire and Montgomeryshire would see new beaver families moving into these counties for the first time, if licences are granted.

These industrious herbivores are native to mainland Britain but were hunted to extinction in the 16th century by people who wanted their fur, meat and scent glands.

The loss of beavers led to the loss of the mosaic of lakes, meres, mires, tarns and boggy places that they were instrumental in creating. Their ability to restore and maintain important wetland habitats is why reintroducing this species is so important.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts said:

“Beavers are a fantastic keystone species that have a hugely important role to play in restoring nature to Britain. It’s brilliant to see Wildlife Trusts across the UK ensuring a better future for wetlands and for a wealth of other wildlife by bringing back beavers whose engineering capabilities inject new life into wild places. The benefits for people are clear – beavers help stop flooding downstream, filter out impurities and they create new homes for otters, water voles and kingfishers. What’s more, people love seeing them and their presence boosts tourism in the countryside.

“We live in one of the most nature‐depleted countries in the world which is why we have a big ambition to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. We’re calling on the government to come up with an ambitious strategy to enable beavers to return to help tackle the climate crisis and improve wetlands for wildlife.”

Recently Played

Anyone

Justin Bieber
Download
Clarity

Zedd / Foxes
Download
Love Me Like You

Little Mix
Download

Four Men Arrested Following Rogue Trader Activities In East Cowes
Four rogue traders have been arrested following a series of aggressive and fraudulent interactions on the Isle of Wight.
Rugby Players Set To Scale Great Heights For Teddy
The Ward family have a massive personal mountain to climb – Jess and Dan’s son, Teddy, aged just 22 months, has been diagnosed with the life-limiting condition called mitochondrial disease.
Drug Driving, Domestic Abuse And Stalking Among Arrests Made As Police Target Isle Of Wight Criminals
Policing teams across the Isle of Wight have joined together as part of a high visibility proactive effort to tackle Island criminality.
Work Begins On ‘Monumental’ Mural Project At Historic Columbine Building
APRIL marks the beginning of an ambitious artistic endeavour as muralist Alice Malia, along with a team of eight talented local artists, starts the creation of a large-scale mural on the Columbine Building in East Cowes.

Revealed: Plans For Beavers To Be Introduced On The Isle Of Wight

Share

Share

More from Isle of Wight News

Recently Played