Planning permission has been granted for what could be England’s largest beaver enclosure at Trentham in Staffordshire.
There are plans to house up to four Eurasian beavers from spring 2023 after the 725-acre Estate has undergone a massive regeneration programme which started in 2003.
Work has included measures to increase biodiversity and re-introduce important species, which bosses say forms a vital element of Trentham’s tourist offer.
Trentham is home to ancient woodlands which are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and these in turn are home to historic trees and rare species.
The estate also has a broad range of habitats popular with birds, bugs, otters, deer, amphibians and reptiles.
Trentham’s plans for a large enclosure around the perimeter of the lake and wider gardens will help keep the beavers safe and prevent them escaping.
Bosses say the enclosure is a necessary part of the reintroduction, in order to contain the beaver population and meet the necessary control requirements to be able to reintroduce the species.
Beavers
The Eurasian beaver is a large herbivore which is native to the UK and was once widespread.
Beavers played a crucial role in the UK’s wetland landscapes from prehistoric times until they were hunted to extinction in the 16th century.
The loss of the species also led to the loss of numerous lakes, meres, mires, tarns and boggy places.
They are often referred to as ‘ecosystem engineers’ and their role in combating climate change is increasingly being recognised, as they make changes to their habitats – such as coppicing trees and shrub species, damming smaller water courses and digging ‘beaver canal’ systems.
These activities create diverse and dynamic wetlands, helping to connect floodplains with their watercourses once again.
In turn, wetlands can bring enormous benefits to other species, such as otters, water shrews, water voles, birds, invertebrates and fish, as well as sequestering carbon.
Careful management
Beavers are more widespread in Scotland, but their introduction needs to be carefully controlled and can be unsuitable for certain areas – for instance, near intensive agricultural land.
Trentham has been granted a licence from Natural England for up to four beavers, and will be offering a safe home for the relocated beavers.
They’re working alongside ecologist and author Derek Gow, who founded the Derek Gow Consultancy, and the project is also being supported by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, The Beaver Trust and the Environment Agency.
Derek Gow said: “The news that the final planning go ahead has been given for the release of beavers into the central lake system at Trentham is great news.
“The species, which was hunted to extinction by humans in the late 1700s, as we now know is not a creature of wilderness and can live contentedly alongside people.
“Trentham with its over 700,000 visitors a year will offer a splendid opportunity for many people to both see a free-living family group of beavers on the main lake itself and their field signs such as tree felling and gigantic stick-based lodges along its edge.”
Trentham
Senior director at Trentham, Alastair Budd commented: “We are incredibly thankful for the support of Stafford Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council and their whole team, especially the local councillors who have supported this major project for the region, which will ensure Staffordshire’s visitor economy continues to develop and thrive.
“Beavers are one of the most important species in our habitats and we want to help visitors to understand why this once extinct UK native should be back in the English countryside, helping to restore our ecosystems and mitigate the impact of climate change.
“This could be one of the largest beaver enclosures in England and an important place for the public to engage and learn more about the species and their vital role.”
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust
Nick Mott, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s river restoration manager, added: “Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is delighted that Trentham has been given the green light to bring beavers back to our county and we can’t wait to see the difference they make to the site.
“They are ecosystem engineers which will be of great benefit to the habitat, improving it for a wide range of species such as dragonflies, toads, stag beetles and water voles.”
Wildlife ranger
Trentham will be recruiting a new wildlife ranger to join the team to help engage visitors in tours and talks and educational group visits to learn all about beavers and the other exciting species.
They will also lead new opportunities for wildlife volunteers.
