The Return of Beavers to Britain

Beavers, once extinct in Britain for over 400 years due to hunting, are making a significant return, as the government has recently approved their release into the wild. This change allows beavers to inhabit natural waterways, contributing to environmental restoration as they serve as natural engineers for water systems. Their presence can alter river flows, creating wetlands that help manage flooding and drought by retaining water in the landscape instead of allowing it to run directly into the sea. The gradual reintroduction of these creatures illustrates a pivotal shift in wildlife preservation and management strategies within the UK.