Wild Devon beavers are saved!
As a holiday provider that focuses on UK family holidays, we like to keep up to date on everything family friendly. Although this story might not fit that bill exactly, it’s definitely struck a chord with me!
Last year a family of wild beavers were spotted on the River Otter in Devon, in what is believed to be the first sighting for 500 years! The latest news regarding the colony of beavers is that they will be allowed to remain on the river, rather than forced into captivity – hurrah!
Natural England has made the decision to award the Devon Wildlife Trust a five-year licence for their re-introduction, on a trial basis.
Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, Harry Barton, said: “We are delighted by Natural England’s decision to grant us a licence to give these beavers a long term future on the River Otter.”
“This is an historic moment. The beavers of the River Otter are the first breeding population in the English countryside for hundreds of years.”
This is the first time a licence like this has been given, to re-introduce a mammal previously extinct in England.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) previously planned to put the beavers in to captivity, because they might be carrying tapeworm and negatively affect their surroundings. But the Devon Wildlife Trust stepped in to strongly argue the fact that it would be the perfect opportunity for Britain's first ever wild beaver trial.
Here’s to hoping the programme is a success so Devon can wow visitors on their UK weekend breaks with another unique species.