Will some one please tell Kansas?
Cheshire MP says beavers could be answer to flood prevention
CHESHIRE MP Mike Amesbury would support more research into whether bringing back beavers could be part of the solution to preventing flooding in places like Northwich. The Labour MP for Weaver Vale was given ‘food for thought’ after Cheshire Wildlife Trust invited him to see how a pair of beavers are transforming the landscape alongside Hatchmere Lake at Norley, near Frodsham.
He wonders if beavers could have a role to play as part of a multipronged approach to mitigating the risk of serious floods like those experienced in Northwich in 2019 and 2021. Mr Amesbury said: “We’ve lost 90 per cent of wetland habitats across the country.
“But at Hatchmere just two beavers have increased the amount of wetland after building an impressive 50 metres-wide dam, with predicted improvements for bio-diversity and improved water quality.” He added: “What’s given me food for thought is the dam slows water flow.
The death count in Kansas is up to 28, and many more are missing and unaccounted for. The hope is that folks will get somewhere safe before it gets any hotter. Temperatures are expected to climb. No power of course. No beaver dams. Just lots and lots of water.
“If released at strategic locations upstream, might beaver activity help keep river levels around Northwich low enough during heavy rainfall that surface water can escape, reducing the risk of flooding in the town centre and beyond?
“More research is needed because beavers are wild animals that are not controllable.
“What we don’t want are unforeseen effects that could cause other problems. But it’s something I would like to explore further with Cheshire West and Chester Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority.”
“They gave an example of a village in Germany where flood defences costing £1m were being considered until a beaver moved in upstream and solved the problem free-of-charge,” said the MP.
“Closer to home, in Devon, I read that beavers have constructed six dams upstream of the flood-prone village of East Budleigh.
“The dams have slowed the flow of floodwater through the village, reducing peak flows during flood events.”
Martin Varley, director of nature recovery at the trust, added: “Beavers offer many benefits to us; water quality, flood resilience and biodiversity, while rebuilding our wetlands that have been sadly lost over time.
“It was great to show Mike around and let him see what they can do.”
Just to be clear. Beavers don’t always choose to stay where you release them, But sure, you can count on their dams helping to slow that water. The illustration was done by Elizabeth Saunderson for Cows and Fish years ago. She did a fantastic job telling the beaver story.
Maybe it really is time to let the rodent do the work.
