Wildlife Trusts Call for Beaver Reintroduction

Wildlife experts argue that reintroducing beavers into the wild in England and Wales is crucial for climate change mitigation and biodiversity restoration. The Wildlife Trusts have published a report advocating for government funding to support these efforts, emphasizing beavers' roles as keystone species that improve water quality, manage rivers and wetlands, and store carbon. Despite the benefits, the Conservative government has not prioritized this initiative, with reports of 'beaver bombing' where conservationists secretly release beavers due to lack of governmental action. The Wildlife Trusts are calling on Labour governments to recognize beavers as a native species and provide legal protections, along with funding for land managers. Independent studies indicate that beavers have positive impacts on local economies through tourism and environmental management. Conservationists warn that unauthorized releases could undermine public support for beaver reintroduction efforts.