Government urged to make a decision on restoring beavers to the English countryside
Both the Beaver Trust has written to the Government asking that they make a timely decision on restoring beavers to the English countryside. The letter has been countersigned by more than 60 organisations, estates, experts and campaigners. The Wildlife Trusts have also written to the Government calling for a Beaver Strategy for England. A decision was originally due in March at the completion of the 5 year River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT); the Trial was extended until August with the decision to be made at that time. However, as a result of the current coronavirus pandemic, there is a possibility that George Eustace, the Environment Minister, and others in the Government will defer making a pronouncement until next year. The letter from The Beaver Trust asks the Government two questions:
- “Will you commit to making policy decisions this year on producing a pragmatic and ambitious strategy for beaver reintroduction in England?”
- “Will you ensure there is no moratorium on the current, effective system of beaver licensing and to expedite applications if they are reasonable and competent?”
Together with beaver licencing, there appears an urgent need to put into place a national management framework along the lines of the River Otter – Beaver Management Strategy, which was drawn up using information from ROBT’s detailed 5 year Science and Evidence Report. (Also see ITV News, Yorkshire Post.)
Posted on May 16, 2020 at 9:00 am
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