All of Great Britain is falling like dominoes into the beaver fever sweeping the nation! Just look at this morning’s article in the BBC.
Beavers’ return to Welsh rivers considered
Beavers could return to Welsh waters later this year centuries after they disappeared. The River Rheidol river in Ceredigion has previously been identified as the preferred location to reintroduce them.
Natural Resources Wales has said work is continuing to assess the results of pilot projects elsewhere in the UK. Supporters say beavers can help prevent flooding, improve water quality and boost biodiversity but farmers’ leaders have voiced concern about their impact.
Tim Jones, executive director of operations for north and mid Wales at Natural Resources Wales, said: “The possibility of reintroducing beavers to Welsh rivers needs serious consideration.
“They have the potential to help us improve the quality of our natural resources including water quality, wildlife and fish populations.
“However, we must also look at the wider effects of reintroducing them, which would include their effects on agriculture, forestry, flood defences amongst other things.
“We are working with a number of partners to look at the evidence on beaver re-introduction and the outcomes of pilot projects elsewhere.
“Once we’ve done this, and are sure that this is the right thing to do, we will look at the options and the practical challenges and benefits of continuing and developing the project further.”
Put a leek in your cap and let’s get ready to welcome the Welsh Beaver! I love these cascading stories, drawing attention to the benefits of beavers. It’s just as well Wales is considering beaver because there isn’t a stop sign big enough to keep them from swimming from Devon across the Bristol Channel (which is only 30 miles across at its widest point) to reintroduce themselves. Congratulations all on this valiant effort!
I have to admit I get a little anxious when folks promise beavers will bring only good news. (Listen to the short report on the website if you are wondering what I mean.) Obviously they can bring trouble too, and I think beavers fair better when we’re honest about that. Folks need to realize that even when they cause problems we’re smarter than beavers. (Or most of us are, anyway.) We can resolve any problem that might arise down the road. And enjoy the benefits while we do.
Great news! Jon saw the kit this morning! (Not officially a yearling for 4 more months). He or She was working on the secondary dam, so that means we have two adults and their offspring hard at work. Remember it’s February and dispersal month. If our yearlings follow the same pattern as the others they will leave sometime this month, bringing our population down to three. Three magical beavers that will start the whole family over again.
And a personal note, OMG it’s February again! Let’s hope I can stay out of the hospital this year.
