Beavers have helped reduce flood risk, experts say

Beavers released into the North York Moors have contributed to reducing the risk of flooding and helped to boost wildlife diversity, according to researchers.

Two Eurasian beavers were released in 2019 into an enclosure in Cropton Forest, where natural flood management had already taken place, and monitored over a five-year period.

During that time, they built six dams, one of which was the biggest in England, researchers at the University of Leeds said.

The academics said the beavers' efforts had increased the impact of existing natural flood management infrastructure and helped to reduce downstream flooding.

Cath Bashford, species recovery officer for Forestry England in Yorkshire, said: "They have created a complex wetland habitat connecting the river with the floodplain, holding back water in the upper catchment, bringing benefits in times of drought and slowing the flood in times of flood."

Researchers also found increased diversity in plants, as well as among mammals, amphibians and dragonflies, and in bat populations.

Beavers were absent from the British landscape for centuries but wild beaver populations have returned in recent years as part of reintroduction schemes, including releases into monitored enclosures.

The beavers that were released were already a pair and 11 kits were born during the trial period.

Prof Mark Smith from the University of Leeds School of Geography, who was the lead author of the paper, said: "This is the first time so many different things have been measured at the same site, including before and after beaver release comparisons.

"The site was transformed by the beavers in ways we never imagined.

Bashford said: "Being closely involved in bringing the beaver back to Yorkshire for the first time in several hundred years has been incredible.

"It has been amazing to watch the changes that the beavers have made to the site throughout the trial and the species that have moved in and thrived alongside them."

The trial was led by Forestry England and licensed by Natural England.

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