Britain’s flooding issues could be addressed with the help of beavers, as indicated by a report sponsored by the government. The debate on whether to reintroduce them continues despite the findings. Natural infrastructure, such as animal habitats, forests, sand dunes, and mudflats, was highlighted in the review for its ability to slow and absorb water flow, thus playing a significant role in flood protection.
The Environment Agency has prioritized the use of natural protections against floods, alongside engineered defenses, with a £25m backing. Their updated guidance now includes an assessment of the potential contributions of beavers, oyster reefs, and underwater plant life in protecting against floods and coastal erosion.
Beavers, due to their ability to engineer ecosystems through dam-building and creating channels, were found to reduce peak flows, increase groundwater storage, trap sediment, connect floodplains, support wildlife, and store carbon. Further research is needed on dam numbers and managing these semi-aquatic mammals.
While beavers were hunted to extinction in Britain around 400 years ago, they have seen a limited return through trial projects, escapes, and illegal releases. The formal reintroduction of beavers has been a topic of discussion among ministers and governments over the years.
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First baby beavers born on estate near Basingstoke in 400 years
The first UK trial involving beavers concluded successfully in 2009, allowing the animals to remain in Argyll, Scotland. In 2021, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pledged to “build back beaver,” but the issue was later deprioritized by the then-environment secretary, Therese Coffey, citing other pressing matters.
Kitty Thompson from the Conservative Environment Network expressed disappointment over the inconsistent stance on species reintroductions, advocating for a licensing system that benefits nature and farmers while managing potential conflicts.
The new Labour government, which prioritizes environmental protection, is yet to establish a formal strategy or issue licenses for wild releases, despite growing support and evidence. Plans for beaver reintroduction were reportedly blocked by Downing Street in January, viewing it as a partisan legacy.
The Wildlife Trusts voiced frustration over the blocking of wild beaver licenses at the time. The environment spokesperson confirmed ongoing collaboration with Natural England to explore options for species reintroduction, including beavers. A majority of UK citizens, encompassing all political affiliations, support beaver reintroduction based on a January poll by More in Common.
Conservation groups have urged the government to expedite beaver reintroduction efforts. Concerns over potential impacts on other species and agricultural land have been raised, balancing the benefits of natural flood defenses with these considerations. Dr. Owen Middleton from Biodiversify highlighted the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of beaver-created flood defenses compared to human interventions.
The UK’s changing climate and increased flooding risks underscore the importance of nature-based solutions for protection. Tree-planting, saltmarshes, and mudflats were also recognized in the review for their roles in flood prevention and coastal protection, amid a renewed focus on natural solutions to environmental challenges.