Beavers are set to be returned to the Montgomeryshire countryside for the first time in 900 years, but not everyone is happy.
The furry water dwelling animals were hunted to the point of extinction in Wales and have been blamed for widespread flooding of late in central Europe due to the dam building in rivers and streams.
But wildlife experts are confident the animals will make a welcome return to our waters with an initial return up stream in Machynlleth before they could come closer to home.
Bernard Llewellyn, NFU Cymru’s Rural Affairs Board Chairman said: “We have been informed that beavers lived in Wales in the 12th century and then became extinct. How can we know that these re-introduced animals have any ancestral link to the 12th century beavers? Their habits could be totally different in habitats that are also very different.”
Wildlife experts say the beavers will be re-introduced in a controlled area which will ensure they cannot escape with observation platforms created to monitor their habits before the experiment is expanded further.
But the NFU Cymru says it is aware of a recent experience in Scotland where beavers escaped their enclosure, travelled long distances and caused significant damage to trees.
Mr Llewellyn added: “We’ve been informed these beavers are masters at evading capture. Apparently individuals there are opposing any cull of these escaped animals regardless of any damage they are doing to native plants and animals.”
NFU Cymru is calling on the Welsh Assembly Government, and the Countryside Council for Wales (the government’s conservation advisers) to keep a very close eye on the project.