. The Devon Wildlife Trust has announced that five beavers are now able to be released on to the Devon River, exuding ‘delight’ and’relief’. They are the only wild British beavers. For testing of disease, the beavers were temporarily removed from the wild in March. On March 23rd, the five beavers were released at “a location on River Otter,” near Ottery St Mary (East Devon). Peter Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust, stated from the scene that the re-release of the beavers means they are now back in their natural habitat on the River Otter. “We are delighted that the Eurasian Beavers have done well in captivity, and they were given a clean bill. The future for Devon’s Eurasian Beavers looks bright.” Image: The Devon Beaver Project. “They have passed all tests and are now ready to start the next phase. We will be studying long-term effects on wildlife, the landscape and communities of the River Otter.” Trust believe the beavers were present on the river Otter since many years. In February 2013, they became national stars when footage showed that the beavers had kit (juveniles). Tom Buckley’s footage (see below), proved England has a population that is thriving and breeding beavers. This was the first such event since their extermination by hunting centuries ago. In February 2015., five adult beavers were caught by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The beavers were brought to Devon’s specialist veterinary hospital where several diseases were checked. Natural England to Devon Wildlife Trust stated that the beavers would have a five-year license to stay on the River Otter provided they had been tested and cleared of any diseases. Andrew Sells (Natural England Chairman) said that “I’m pleased the beavers are in good health.” Devon Wildlife Trust, in accordance to its license, has provided detailed information about its monitoring program and management strategy. “We are happy that these plans meet the conditions of the licence. It is an exciting moment for conservation. I will be watching how this trial proceeds. Wild beaver mom with her kitten, proof of beavers breeding in Devon. Lord de Mauley, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, stated: “I’m happy that the beavers have been free from disease. The beavers have been released back into the river to help us understand how they affect the environment. “Natural England worked closely with Devon Wildlife Trust to make sure that any plans to reintroduce the beavers were carefully thought out and adhere to strict licensing conditions. The trial will be ongoing for five years. I am looking forward to the results.” They were given a clean bill of health during their brief absence from riverside habitat. Beaver experts and leading veterinary specialists from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland tested them for signs of Echinococcus multilocularis (EM), and bovine TB. Roisin Campbell Palmer, Conservation Projects Manager at the Society, stated that she was delighted to share her expertise from working with beavers in Scotland. These beavers are unknown in origin so it was crucial to confirm that they were in the right species. River Otter Beaver Trial There are no signs that beavers have lost their ability to adapt and survive in English environments. Over the next five-years, the project will track the beavers and measure their effect on wildlife, ecology, economies, communities, and the environment. Natural England will be presented with the evidence from this project at its conclusion in 2020.. This information will help to decide the fate of the beavers. Clinton Devon Estates, one of the biggest landowners within the wild beaver territories is Clinton Devon Estates. Nature Conservation Manager Dr. Sam Bridgewater said that they look forward to being a part of the partnership for the River Otter Beaver Trial. He also stated, “Our greatest challenge now is funding this work.” Locals have been extremely supportive of the beavers. PS 50,000 was raised within three months after an initial appeal for donations. The cost for the monitoring project over five years will be in the thousands. “Our appeal to the supporters of beavers was to give what you can. You’ll help to write a chapter of our country’s natural history by donating. Video of young wild beavers from Devon. Video taken by Tom Buckley.
