Beavers Seen To Return On Wetland After 400 Years

After a long period of time, beavers will return to Nene Wetlands nature reserve.

Citing experts, the BBC said in a report that the beavers would be reintroduced in the said wetland, located near Rushden in Northamptonshire, after 400 years. According to the Wildlife Trust, a license was already secured from Natural England to release the animals next winter.

The report said the beavers are expected to be released during the winter of 2024-2025.

What can the beavers' presence contribute

A feasibility study said that the comeback of the beavers in the area would play a significant role when it comes to managing the wet woodland habitat in an enclosed area around Delta Pit as well as in helping to continue reedbed restoration work.

The beavers' presence in the Delta Pit is seen to decrease the need for the existing site management of staff and contractors in the removal of willow growth around the lake edges. They will also help in restoring areas of reedbed and diversifying the marginal vegetation through their foraging behaviors.

Their return will also contribute in creating a dynamic and diverse wetland habitat, which is seen to benefit a range of other species.

"This is an exciting and unique opportunity to see this iconic species return to the Nene Valley, bringing back both its natural habitat restoration skills as well as providing an opportunity for the visitors to see beavers in the wild at our most visited reserve," Matt Johnson, Wildlife Trust in Northamptonshire Conservation Manager, said in an entry posted on Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Nothants.

Previous studies said beavers eat plants, and that they are fond of the Himalayan balsam, which is an invasive non-native species that can spread easily and become problematic for the native wildflowers.

Dubbed as "eco-engineers," beavers also do not destroy trees as they cut them back and later on, these will grow back and provide more spaces for wildlife.

Experts said beavers are unlikely to build dams in the area as they usually build dams in rivers to create lagoons that they will use to protect themselves from predators.

Benefits to wetlands

Beavers are seen by biologists and ecologists to restore wetlands, which are considered necessary to biodiversity due to their support on aquatic plants and wildlife.

A report on Warpnews said beavers can reshape their habitats to address their own needs. They were observed to build dams in order to protect themselves from predators, to sleep and to raise their babies.

They often use mud, branches, trees, rocks and grass to build these dams, which are commonly seen on waterways.

After some time, these dams will help in reducing soil erosion and they retain sediment. The dams will also absorb and filter out pollutants such as fertilizers, heavy metals and pesticides.

The Delta Pit in Nene Wetlands was chosen as the most ecologically suitable site because it was already fenced off and it can provide a refuge for waterbirds and other wildlife.

A separate BBC report said that in the past 50 years, Canada and several states across the United States have reintroduced beavers into the wetlands.