Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is preparing the county for the potential reintroduction of Eurasian beavers to the Severn Vale.
How beaver reintroduction could benefit the Severn Vale
Emma Hutchins, director of nature’s recovery at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, said reintroducing beavers would recreate lost habitats, increase biodiversity and reduce downstream flooding for at-risk properties.
Why the Severn Vale project builds on past efforts
The initiative follows the first beaver pair arriving in the Forest of Dean in 2018, which the trust said has seen strong public support.
What steps are being taken ahead of any release
The trust is appointing two assistant species recovery officers to support beavers, landowners, and communities, and is engaging stakeholders to minimise impacts on other land uses.
What is the Severn Vale Beaver Project?
The Severn Vale Beaver Project, organised by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Forestry England, aims to reintroduce beavers to more locations in the Forest of Dean after the initial release in 2018.
Who needs to approve any beaver reintroduction?
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said any next steps require licensing approval from Natural England before reintroduction can proceed.
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