Beavers cut flooding and pollution and boost wildlife populations

Five-year study of animals in Devon finds measurable benefits to wildlife and people

Patrick Barkham

Mon 17 Feb 2020 07.00 GMT

Beavers have alleviated flooding, reduced pollution and boosted populations of fish, amphibians and other wildlife, according to a five-year study of wild-living animals in Devon.

The report, which will help the government decide whether to allow wild beavers to return to England after being hunted to extinction more than 400 years ago, concludes that the species has brought measurable benefits to wildlife and people.

The study, by a team of scientists overseen by Prof Richard Brazier of the University of Exeter, concludes that beavers’ quantifiable benefits on the River Otter, including eco-tourism and “ecosystem services” such as flood alleviation, outweigh costs such as the minor flooding of some farmland.

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Outrage after bullet-ridden corpse of pregnant beaver found on riverbank

Environmentalist Ben Goldsmith tweeted the images, prompting fury on Twitter

By Howard Lloyd

12:39, 10 MAY 2019

UPDATED17:38, 10 MAY 2019

There has been widespread revulsion after the rotting corpse of a pregnant beaver was found riddled with bullet holes in a wood in Devon.

Ben Goldsmith - an environmentalist and financier - tweeted grizzly images of the dead creature, sparking a furious reaction online.

Ben had written about the successful return of the beaver in the same woods in an article in The Spectator less than two months ago.

But he lashed out at the 'embedded culture of killing' which was hindering efforts to reintroduce the beaver in Britain.

"I wrote last month about a magical Devon wood that has been transformed by a pair of beavers. I went back there today and found the decomposing corpse of the female, pregnant, shot," he said.

"The male nowhere to be seen. Beavers in England have no protection, yet.

A beaver released into the wild (Image: One of the Forestry Commission)

"In this country there is an embedded culture of killing. So many country people consider themselves to be fighting a war against nature, unable to stop for fear that nature might somehow ‘win’.

Read on

Wild beaver killed by car in Devon thought to be first run over in Britain - via Mark Raines

The beaver, a female, was among the first found three years ago in the wild in 400 years

By Alex West

5th April 2018, 12:57 am

Updated: 5th April 2018, 12:57 am

A WILD beaver has been killed by a car — and is believed to be the first run over in Britain.

The four-year-old female was struck by a motor after ­wandering on to a road during recent floods.

A wild beaver killed by a car near Langford Bridge, close to the River Otter in Devon, is thought to be the first run over in Britain

A member of the public found its body near Langford Bridge close to the River Otter in East Devon, where a pioneering wild breeding monitoring project is being carried out.

Devon Wildlife Trust had tagged her in 2015.

She was among the first found in the wild in England in 400 years.

Spokesman Steve Hussey said: “It is sad news. Beavers like to stick to water, or close to water, but they will also cross land and roads.

"Recent heavy rains and high river levels may have meant this ­beaver chose a land route rather than battle against the force of the river.

"And, like all wildlife, beavers are vulnerable when they cross our roads.”

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Mystery surrounds '20ft' Devon sea creature which 'left man in disbelief'

The 'shark-like' creature was described as being 20-feet long

By

Jamie Hawkins

13:23, 26 MAR 2018

UPDATED13:27, 26 MAR 2018

Mystery surrounds a creature spotted off the Devon coast which the photographer claims was 'a huge shark.'

Tristan Severn-Jones noticed a fin in the water just off Bovisand Beach, near Plymouth on Friday morning.

Severn-Jones, who is a caretaker at Fort Bovisand, said he and his colleagues were left "in disbelief."

“It was sheer luck that I got a picture,” he said. “I was standing there with the guys who own the fort, and it just appeared in front of us.

Read on

As badger culls begin, could one pioneering vet’s bovine TB test end the slaughter?

Research at a secret location in Devon may help eradicate bovine tuberculosis without a single badger being killed, says leading vet

Patrick Barkham

Sunday 15 October 2017 00.04 BST

A pretty stone farmhouse sits in a bucolic green valley, surrounded by airy cowsheds. It looks like a timeless west country scene but is actually a pioneering farm, where cutting-edge science is helping to solve the hugely controversial, multimillion-pound problem of bovine tuberculosis (bTB).

As an expanded badger cull gets under way this autumn, in which 33,500 animals will be killed to help stop the spread of the disease, a leading vet, Dick Sibley, believes this Devon farm demonstrates a way to eradicate the disease in cattle – without slaughtering any badgers.

Sibley’s trial, at a secret location, was halted earlier this year when two new tests to better identify bTB in cattle were deemed illegal. But government regulators have now given the vet permission to continue. His work is backed by rock star-turned-activist Brian May, whose Save Me Trust last week began a four-year programme of vaccinating badgers at the farm against bTB.

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Asian killer hornet discovered in Devon posing threat to dwindling native bee populations

Insect incursion discovered near beehives

Tuesday 26 September 2017 16:34 BST

An Asian hornet has been seen in near Woolacombe in Devon, the National Bee Unit has said.

While the foreign species does not pose a risk to human health, its presence does threaten native honey bees.

The sighting, near an apiary, is the first since last year, when a nest was discovered in Gloucestershire.

Bee keepers tracked down and destroyed that nest, containing the incursion.

Honey bees are in decline and play an important role in maintaining British crops.

Nicola Spence, Defra Deputy Director for Plant and Bee Health, said in a statement: "We recognise the damage (Asian hornets) can cause to honey bee colonies.

"That’s why we are taking swift and robust action to locate and destroy any nests in the Devon area following this confirmed sighting.

"Following the successful containment of the Asian hornet incursion in Gloucestershire last year, we have a well-established protocol in place to eradicate them and control any potential spread.

"We remain vigilant across the country, working closely with the National Bee Unit and their nationwide network of bee inspectors."

Authorities are setting up a surveillance zone stretching one to two kilometres around the initial sighting.

Read on  

Crocodile shark washes up on Devon beach

Experts are puzzled how the shark, normally found near equator, could have reached UK

Steven Morris

Thursday 2 March 2017 17.10 GMT Last modified on Thursday 2 March 2017 22.01 GMT 

A crocodile shark, a marine creature normally found in deep tropical waters, has been discovered washed up on a beach in Devon.

A family found the shark at Hope Cove beach on the south coast and, thinking it was still alive, braved its sharp teeth to try to return it to the water before realising it was dead.

Experts are puzzled how a shark normally found in and around the equator could have reached the British coast. One theory is that it followed a warm, deep water current before reaching cold water in which it could not survive. Another possibility is that it was caught in fishing nets further south and discarded near the British shore.

 

Steven Greenfields said he was walking with his family at Hope Cove when he spotted the dead fish.

“We regularly visit this beach and have never seen anything like this before,” he said. “My whole family was stunned as the animal had really unusual features but was unmistakably a shark.

“I have experience with sharks whilst swimming and diving overseas, but, despite a fair amount of fishing and swimming in the UK all my life, have never seen any shark in UK waters other than dogfish.”

Photographs of the find were sent to the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. The curator James Wright said: “On first inspection of the photos we thought the animal could be a juvenile porbeagle shark, which is found in UK waters. However, we identified numerous traits that suggested it was not any shark usually recorded in UK waters. 

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Badger cull areas more than triple under new government licences

Ten areas now licensed for culling, with Herefordshire, Cornwall and Devon added to Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset

Adam Vaughanand Damian Carrington

Tuesday 30 August 201610.16 BSTLast modified on Wednesday 31 August 201601.05 BST

The number of areas where badgers will be culled to stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis is to more than triple under licences issued by the government on Tuesday.

Licensed shooters could begin killing badgers within days in Herefordshire, Cornwall and Devon, which have been added to the culling already taking place in recent years in Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset.

Ministers say the culling is essential to stop the spread of bovine TB to cattle, which cost the taxpayer £100m in 2015 to compensate farmers for slaughtered cattle. But experts have said the culls “fly in the face of scientific evidence” and could even make the problem worse.

George Eustice, the farming minister, said the cull’s expansion was vital to tackle the “reservoir” of the disease in badgers. “Our comprehensive strategy to eradicate bovine TB in England is delivering results, with more than half the country on track to be free of the disease by the end of this parliament.”

In total, 10 areas have now been licensed for culling, up from three areas previously. Ministers also announced the provision of more information and advice on cattle movements and biosecurity measures and a consultation on the use of more sensitive tests.

The National Farmers Union welcomed the move. Meurig Raymond, the NFU president, said: “Farmers facing a daily battle against bTB in those areas that have been granted licences for badger control operations this year will welcome the news that finally action is being taken to tackle the reservoir of disease in wildlife in these areas.

“Today’s announcement means that badger control will now be taking place in 10% of the area where cattle are at the highest risk of contracting bTB.”

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Cyril is officially Devon's first newborn Smooth Snake after a successful reintroduction program - via Herp Digest

The Herald,7/5/16

Rare snakes that 'disappeared' for seven years have returned with a baby in tow. Conservation volunteers have been searching for signs of the smooth snakes - the UK's rarest reptiles - since ten were released in 2009 and a further seven in 2010 at a secret location on a Devon RSPB nature reserve.They have recorded some sightings but none that proved that the snakes were breeding - until now.

Delighted volunteers have found, recorded and photographed a newborn smooth snake and named him Cyril. He was spotted with two adult snakes and is officially the first smooth snake to be born at the re-introduction site in Devon.

Nick Moulton, of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, one of the partners in the re-introduction project, said: "It really is a difficult species to work with so for the volunteers to stick with it and find that proof of breeding is brilliant. It is now re-established in Devon, this really is a big find."

Beavers released into Devon river in bid to boost gene pool

Male and female set free as part of five-year trial to monitor the impact of England’s only wild population of the mammals

Press Association

Thursday 26 May 201606.01 BST

A new pair of beavers has been released into a river in Devon to boost the genetic diversity of England’s only wild population of the mammals.

The male and female were set free on the river Otter as part of a five-year trial monitoring the impact of Eurasian beavers, a species hunted to extinction hundreds of years ago in the UK, on the surrounding landscape, wildlife and economy.

Beavers have been living wild on the river Otter for up to a decade but faced being re-homed in captivity after evidence emerged that they were successfully breeding.

Plans for a monitoring trial were put forward by Devon Wildlife Trust, with the backing of local people, and were given the green light by government agency Natural England, subject to the adults being temporarily captured for disease testing.

Genetic screening of the captured adults - which were re-released last year – revealed they were all closely related, and a decision was taken to introduce a new pair to increase the gene pool and boost the number of breeding animals.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Peter Burgess said the results had shown it was likely there was one mother potentially breeding with her offspring.

There were also concerns that with just two breeding pairs, if one or more of the females died, there would be a declining population.

For the release the new beavers, both around two years old, were carried in separate crates through a boggy field down to the riverbank, where the team of wildlife experts had constructed two lodges for them in a quiet spot under willow trees.

The crates were pushed up against the entrance to the lodges and the beavers were moved in with a bit of encouragement, before the team sealed up the manmade homes and retreated to watch what was going on inside via infrared cameras.

Read on … 

Get Up-Close-And-Personal with Devon’s Wildlife

RSPB Press Release: Get Up-Close-And-Personal with Devon's Wildlife ** 

Media release 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The RSPB in Devon are offering a special opportunity to join their outdoors Volunteer Work Party, which takes place every Thursday. This practical work is carried out across the RSPB’s Devon nature reserves and enables people to develop their skills, gain training, socialise and get to know their local wildlife. 

Tom Pace, Assistant Warden for the Devon reserves said: “Our volunteer work party is a great opportunity to get outdoors on a landscape that’s teeming with wildlife and make a real difference to Devon’s nature. 

“Work party activities can include hedge laying, grassland management, fence repairs, small building projects and so much more – there’s never a dull moment and volunteers will definitely be able to develop a wide range of practical skills. There’s a great feeling of teamwork amongst the team and it’s brilliant to socialise with like-minded people who are passionate about Devon’s great outdoors. 

“Our work parties also offer a very unique opportunity to explore parts of our nature reserves that are not open for public access, so our volunteers gain a special backstage pass to some of Devon’s more secretive greenspaces.” 

The RSPB Devon Volunteer Work Parties take place every Thursday from 9.00 am-4.00 pm. The group meet at the RSPB Exminster office and then travel to the various sites in RSPB vehicles. Volunteers work on the RSPB’s Exminster, Exe Estuary, Labrador Bay and Chapel Wood nature reserves. 

Tom continues: “If you’re still unsure as to whether our Volunteer Work Parties are for you, here are a few thoughts from our current Volunteers - 

“For me, I think there's no better way to really get to know the local area, its wildlife and reserves and how they work, than by volunteering on them. It's great having a day away from everyday stresses just to be outdoors in nature, doing something hands-on that really makes a difference.” 

“A small effort on my part is my way of giving nature a home, and as the advert says "every little helps!" 

“Experiencing life on the edge - of the Exe Estuary” 

“The work of an RSPB volunteer is all about delivering the good intentions of others, because without the volunteers, all there is left is just good intentions - but nothing else!” 

No previous experience is required; the RSPB will provide all the training you need. If you’re interested in joining the Work Party and helping the RSPB deliver more for Devon’s wildlife, get in touch on: exe.estuary@rspb.org.uk or call: 01392 833311

Nature notes: Wildcats, wolves and lynxes could make a return to the British countryside

Hana Carter 

1 APRIL 2016 • 1:59PM

Wildcats could be reintroduced to the Devon countryside as part of a "rewilding" programme.

The Wildwood Trust has created a natural woodland enclosure for its new wildcats which it hopes will show how they once prowled Devon.

One of the new arrivals, Staffin, has been recognised as one of the purest British wildcats left in the wild. It is to be joined by a female and their offspring will be part of a national breeding programme aimed at preventing the species' extinction.

Scottish wildcat monitored for wildlife project

The wildcat is confined to the north of Scotland, and became extinct in England in the 19th century. Peter Smith, founder of the Wildwood Trust, says he would like to see the reintroduction of lynx and even wolves. Mr Smith said: "By changing the rules of agricultural subsidies and returning animals like wildcats, our uplands could blossom with wildlife."

Source

Beavers at work ... Devon dwellers reveal their flair for fighting floods

After a 400-year absence, the industrious rodents are back. On a river near Okehampton their reintroduction has led to biodiversity and cleaner water

Dan Glaister

Sunday 14 February 2016 00.04 GMTLast modified on Monday 15 February 201611.05 GMT

“Look at these teeth marks!” Professor Richard Brazier pauses, mud oozing over his Wellington boots, to admire the work of a pair of beavers who have been introduced into a patch of Devon woodland. “Just look at the size of them!” He runs his fingers along the incisions left in the exposed trunk of a recently toppled tree, before turning to survey the devastation around him.

The devastation is part of a scheme that backers hope will provide a template for a more balanced approach to flood prevention. The government is spending £3.2bn on flood management in the course of this parliament. As flood events such as those seen in Cumbria at the end of last year become more common, so attention has turned to flood management, with a call for resources to be allocated not to building flood defences to deal with the water when it arrives downstream but prevent it getting there at all.

The beavers resident on the three hectares of woodland near Okehampton in Devon could be part of the solution. In the five years since they moved there, they have toppled trees, gnawed bark, dug channels, constructed dams and made a rather impressive home for themselves.

“Prior to working with beavers we’d never really come across animals that would disrupt your work so much,” says Brazier, a hydrologist at the University of Exeter, as he surveys the tangle of branches and tree trunks.

But there is hope, too. New shoots are sprouting from the felled willows and a closer inspection reveals that beneath the devastation lies further evidence of new life promoted by the beavers’ work. “They are a keystone species who are obviously engineering the environment to their own benefit,” says Brazier. “But what’s interesting is all the other benefits.”

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