Over the past 12 months, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust – which works to protect and enhance wildlife in the county – has been running a joint study with Forestry England to determine the feasibility of reintroducing this keystone species to the wild. Today they are releasing a public opinion survey to understand local perceptions on the topic. 

Beavers lived in Britain for 2 million years before they were hunted to extinction. GWT and FE are investigating the possibility of reintroducing the species in the hope of restoring natural processes lost in their absence.  

These natural processes, such as tree coppicing and pond creation, can provide multiple benefits for nature and biodiversity while reducing flood risk downstream. Beaver wetlands are capable of storing hundreds of thousands of litres of water. 

In the Forest of Dean, Forestry England have reintroduced beavers in several enclosures, helping reduce flood risk for people in Lydbrook. Elsewhere in the country, wild populations of beavers are well-established in some smaller river catchments in the South West of England. These populations are spreading and sightings have been recorded very close to Gloucestershire’s borders. Now there is the real possibility they could establish within the county, through colonisation or translocation. GWT's feasibility study is assessing the potential benefits and risks that could occur if this were to happen. 

While beavers can have a positive effect on the environment, pressures on modern land use mean that there could also be negative impacts. It is possible that in some places beaver activity would impact existing land and infrastructure negatively and, as a result, would need to be managed. 

From Tuesday 6 November to Monday 6 January, the project partners are inviting all members of the public to complete the survey. 

Dee Durham, Beaver Feasibility Coordinator at GWT, is leading the project. She says the current phase is a very important one: the chance for people to let their voices be heard on the matter. 

“For the past 400 years we have lived without their presence here, but the Eurasian beaver is a native species, and it is a key part of healthy ecosystems which has been missing for a long time. 

“Beavers are woodland and water engineers, capable of creating incredibly rich wetland habitats. Getting them back into the county would have a dramatic impact on the diversity and resilience of nature in Gloucestershire. 

“Some people may have valid concerns about the possible impacts of beavers on their land. While there are lots of ways to manage beaver activity where needed, it’s important to weigh up the positives against any negative effects that might arise. This is why we're assessing not just whether beavers could thrive here, but how people would feel about living alongside them. We want to listen to the local community before making any plans for future reintroduction. 

“We urge everyone to tell us your thoughts, whether you live near a river or not, whether you work in the countryside or simply you visit the countryside and enjoy its wildlife. Your views are important and will help shape our future plans. The more responses we get, the better we can understand the prospects for beavers and people here in Gloucestershire.” 

People can take part in the survey at https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/beaver-feasibility-survey

The Gloucestershire Beaver Feasibility Project is co-funded by Forestry England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and supported by public donations.