Beavers are back!

A licence to release beavers into a secure enclosure at Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve, near Machynlleth, has been issued by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and welcomed by the Welshpool-based wildlife charity campaigning for their return.

The application to release up to six beavers into a purpose-built enclosure at the Mid Wales reserve was submitted to NRW by the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (MWT) who manage the land.

“We now have a licence to release beavers into our enclosure at Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve,” said a spokesperson for MWT.

“The willow and birch-eating mammals will play a vital role with our habitat management, helping us maintain Cors Dyfi as a lowland raised peat bog. The beavers will be with us for five years initially as we monitor them and record changes in biodiversity.”

The mammals were hunted to extinction across Britain in the 16th Century for their fur, meat and scent glands, but they are making a strong return across the country.

BBC Springwatch presenter and local naturalist, Iolo Williams, said it would be “fantastic” to have them back, adding: “What you will find is that area, the bio-diversity will go through the roof.

“It will be brilliant for amphibians, aquatic plants, invertebrates and fish.”

The application was made to NRW as a species licence is required to release Eurasian Beavers into either an enclosure or into the wild in Wales. A public consultation was undertaken and following assessment of information supplied by the applicants and consultation responses received, NRW is satisfied that a licence should be issued.

The determination of the application included a range of assessments including that of the management operations, disease risk and site monitoring. Assessments were also made on the enclosure and its maintenance and the resources and procedures in place in the unlikely event of an accidental escape.

NRW is required to issue a licence if the applicant can show that the enclosure will be operated to appropriate standards and all the legal requirements will be met. A licence cannot be refused on the basis that there is opposition to the activity.

Gavin Bown Head of Place for Mid-Wales said: “We appreciate the strength of feeling in favour and against releasing beavers into an enclosure in the Dyfi Estuary.

“Having looked carefully at the information provided with the application, we are confident that this application meets legal requirements and that we should issue the licence.

“Once the beavers are released into the enclosure, the applicant will be required to monitor the beavers and their impacts on the reserve.”