Beavers may act as a natural solution to England’s flooding problems, a study has found.
A pair released into a stream in Devon built 13 dams which increased the amount of water stored behind them by more than 1,000 cubic metres, reported The Times. During storms the dams slowed the flow of rainwater into the River Tamar, according to research by the University of Exeter.
“Beavers may form a ‘nature-based solution’ to the flooding problems faced by society,” the study concluded.
Beavers build dams to create ponds in which they feel safe from predators but were hunted to extinction in Britain about 300 years ago. They have been reintroduced at several sites and were designated a native British species by the Scottish government last month.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has committed £15m for “natural flood management” in England as part of its response to the devastating floods last winter.
However, comments from Times readers suggested the deployment of the animals more widely would be unpopular with farmers. Or practical. One reader commented: “Beavers need trees, and heavily subsidised sheep in the uplands, where most rain falls, ensure that few survive.”
Another said: “What utter rot! Beavers on our farm in Tayside have dammed an eight foot ditch with grass wheat and mud. The water used to be a trickle, now it is six feet deep.”
Image: Gail Johnson/Dreamstime.com
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At least nature has its civil engineers.
It’s interesting to read the comments from Farmers. I do realise these animals impact on how farmers want to manage their land. But these animals were here before the farmers managing the land, just because it doesn’t suit them doesn’t mean it is wrong. If this reduces the impact and likely hood of flooding and is of minimal cost then this is surely the most sustainable way for now and the future. Maybe the farmers need to change their approach to managing the land now for the benefit for the country and future generations.