It really is magical isn’t it? But you’re right, not everyone feels that way. That’s real, and we can’t brush it aside. I think the work now is to hold both truths at once, the magic and the management 🦫
Beautifully written again - thank you. I love the line 'To watch a landscape remember what it once was.' And what a shame about the funding.
I’ve been following the reintroduction story with fascination. I haven’t yet seen a beaver myself, but I’ve seen the tell-tale signs - the 'angled trunks, the neat pencil points' - little signatures of life along the riverbank. So exciting!
I’ve also been listening to the podcasts from the Beaver Trust, particularly around the importance of engagement with local communities and farmers. How coexistence needs to be built carefully through conversation, trust, and practical support.
What I find both fascinating and devastating is the contrast in government response. As Sam Gandy has written, species that might improve our landscapes face intense scrutiny, while species that already degrade them can be released freely. Millions of non-native pheasants are released each year with minimal oversight, simply to be shot-but of course many are not. Both are devastating in different ways.
And beyond policy and ecosystem services, it's so important to think of these as individuals. Each beaver is not just a hydrological tool or a management challenge, but a living, sensing being - shaping a home, raising young, (have you seen the NT video of the beavers at Dorset?) and responding to the world around them.
Human–animal coexistence is a fascinating topic. I agree that it makes sense to consider future challenges now, so the transition can be smoother for everyone. Hopefully, the UK can get ahead of the game.
I went to Knepp to see the beavers and I'm all for it BUT I live in Somerset. I know how thin the farmers' profit margins are. If the beavers impact that then there will be war. This needs to be managed extremely carefully and with government support, not something beauocracy is necessarily good at.
Great piece Carrie, I love knowing that beavers are around, one even ended up in Kintyre, on a West coast beach, he was looked after by the SPCA, desalinated as they don’t like salt water, and no doubt out into the hands of experts. I don’t know where he ended up, I may try and find out.
Funding is a frustration when good ideas are not recognised. In Scotland this would probably be picked up to prove its worth by volunteers, I sometimes wonder if Scotland is run by volunteers! However a team of well trained and motivated volunteers with great communication skills could work wonders to share excitement and experiences with beavers. I know up at Knapdale, there is a big team of highly motivated volunteers, and the rangers there are always happy to share their knowledge of setting up groups. Anyway, I’m sure that has been explored already.
A beaver on a West Coast beach feels like the opening line of a children’s book. I love that he was rescued and desalinated. I do hope he was ok.
You’re absolutely right about volunteers and this is such a good point. It’s amazing what’s possible when you’ve got a committed, well-supported volunteer network behind something. The key, as you say, is “well trained and motivated.” Volunteers can work wonders but they need proper support, coordination and clear communication.
Beaver return isn’t just ecology, it’s people and relationships. If we get that right, the excitement becomes contagious in the best possible way.
I live very close to a beaver location in Somerset. It's magical. It's also evident not everyone feels that way, which worries me deeply.
It really is magical isn’t it? But you’re right, not everyone feels that way. That’s real, and we can’t brush it aside. I think the work now is to hold both truths at once, the magic and the management 🦫
Beavers in Berkshire now too! River Kennet. Such a thoughtful, balanced and hopeful piece. Hope that funding comes.
Beautifully written again - thank you. I love the line 'To watch a landscape remember what it once was.' And what a shame about the funding.
I’ve been following the reintroduction story with fascination. I haven’t yet seen a beaver myself, but I’ve seen the tell-tale signs - the 'angled trunks, the neat pencil points' - little signatures of life along the riverbank. So exciting!
I’ve also been listening to the podcasts from the Beaver Trust, particularly around the importance of engagement with local communities and farmers. How coexistence needs to be built carefully through conversation, trust, and practical support.
What I find both fascinating and devastating is the contrast in government response. As Sam Gandy has written, species that might improve our landscapes face intense scrutiny, while species that already degrade them can be released freely. Millions of non-native pheasants are released each year with minimal oversight, simply to be shot-but of course many are not. Both are devastating in different ways.
And beyond policy and ecosystem services, it's so important to think of these as individuals. Each beaver is not just a hydrological tool or a management challenge, but a living, sensing being - shaping a home, raising young, (have you seen the NT video of the beavers at Dorset?) and responding to the world around them.
Can't wait to see them in person!
Such a joy to read about the return of beavers.
Human–animal coexistence is a fascinating topic. I agree that it makes sense to consider future challenges now, so the transition can be smoother for everyone. Hopefully, the UK can get ahead of the game.
I went to Knepp to see the beavers and I'm all for it BUT I live in Somerset. I know how thin the farmers' profit margins are. If the beavers impact that then there will be war. This needs to be managed extremely carefully and with government support, not something beauocracy is necessarily good at.
Great piece Carrie, I love knowing that beavers are around, one even ended up in Kintyre, on a West coast beach, he was looked after by the SPCA, desalinated as they don’t like salt water, and no doubt out into the hands of experts. I don’t know where he ended up, I may try and find out.
Funding is a frustration when good ideas are not recognised. In Scotland this would probably be picked up to prove its worth by volunteers, I sometimes wonder if Scotland is run by volunteers! However a team of well trained and motivated volunteers with great communication skills could work wonders to share excitement and experiences with beavers. I know up at Knapdale, there is a big team of highly motivated volunteers, and the rangers there are always happy to share their knowledge of setting up groups. Anyway, I’m sure that has been explored already.
A beaver on a West Coast beach feels like the opening line of a children’s book. I love that he was rescued and desalinated. I do hope he was ok.
You’re absolutely right about volunteers and this is such a good point. It’s amazing what’s possible when you’ve got a committed, well-supported volunteer network behind something. The key, as you say, is “well trained and motivated.” Volunteers can work wonders but they need proper support, coordination and clear communication.
Beaver return isn’t just ecology, it’s people and relationships. If we get that right, the excitement becomes contagious in the best possible way.
What a gift indeed! Very interesting read Carrie. It’s a shame you didn’t get the funding. Let’s hope it comes before it’s too late.