Beavers are making a comeback in England, the first licensed wild release in over four centuries. Once wiped out for their fur, meat, and scent glands, these industrious rodents are getting a second chance to shape the landscape. The government’s new licensing system will allow them to roam freely once again.
Supporters say beavers are nature’s original flood engineers. Their dams create ponds that hold back water, reducing flood risks while providing habitats for other wildlife. From dragonflies to water voles, countless species benefit from these wetland architects.
Farmers aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet. While beavers can prevent floods, they can also cause them—swamping roads, fields, and properties. The National Farmers’ Union wants the right to “lethally control” problem beavers before they turn prime farmland into a swamp.
The evidence is clear: beavers don’t just build dams—they rebuild ecosystems. A five-year trial in Devon showed they slow water flow, store water during droughts, and even filter pollution. In a country ranked among the most nature-depleted in the world, the return of an extinct native species is a rare victory for conservation.
Beavers are already thriving in fenced-off sites, like the ones in Enfield, London. Locals even gave them names—Justin and Sigourney Beaver. But now, they’re heading for the wild, where they’ll sink or swim without human interference.
Not everyone’s thrilled about their return. Farmers worry about flooded fields and damaged trees, while conservationists see a golden opportunity to restore lost habitats. The government is offering support to landowners, but it remains to be seen how much of a headache—or a blessing—these creatures will become.
For now, England’s rivers are about to get a lot busier. Whether beavers turn out to be heroes or nuisances, one thing’s certain: after 400 years, they’ve earned their place back in the wild.
Five Fast Facts
- Beavers can hold their breath for up to 15 minutes underwater.
- A single beaver family can build a dam stretching over 2,500 feet long.
- Unlike most rodents, beavers mate for life and raise their young together.
- Beaver teeth never stop growing, which is why they constantly gnaw on wood.
- The world’s largest beaver dam, located in Canada, is visible from space.
