Beavering About

The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) was once an important component of the English countryside. This dam-building rodent created wetlands, increasing biodiversity as well as reducing the chances of flooding and droughts. The English beavers, however, became extinct in the 16th Century. The animal was largely hunted to extinction for its fur, meat and castoreum (a gland, whose contents were used in perfumes, food and medicines). In recent times, Eurasian beavers, from mainland Europe, have been reintroduced into several English locations for trials. This had to be done with the approval of England's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). In 2021, beaver enthusiasts and DEFRA agreed it would be 'environmentally sensible' to reintroduce the rodent more widely across England. In 2022, it was decided that beavers should be given protected status, to prevent hunting. Since that time, DEFRA has gone silent on the beaver issue (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/03/beavers-are-back-but-scientists-fear-defras-silence-on-protection-deal). Beaver advocates are concerned that DEFRA is having second thoughts about beaver reintroductions. This appears in marked contrast to Scotland, where reintroduced beavers already have protected status and appear to be thriving. DEFRA has no jurisdiction in Scotland. Given the effects of climate change, a speedy reintroduction of beavers into parts of England, appears necessary. Perhaps it doesn't fit with the government's current anti-green vibe?