Eurasian beaver reintroduction

The Eurasian beaver was hunted and trapped to the point of near extinction. Fossil evidence shows that the Eurasian beaver lived from Western Europe to the Chinese-Mongolian border. By the beginning of the 20th century, only about 1,200 Eurasian beavers were left in their native area.{{cite journal |last1=South |first1=Andy |last2=Rushton |first2=Steve |last3=Macdonald |first3=David |title=Simulating the proposed reintroduction of the European beaver (Castor fiber) to Scotland |journal=Biological Conservation |date=April 2000 |volume=93 |issue=1 |pages=103–116 |doi=10.1016/s0006-3207(99)00072-5 |bibcode=2000BCons..93..103S }} Eight relict populations survived,{{cite journal |last1=Halley |first1=Duncan |last2=Rosell |first2=Frank |last3=Saveljev |first3=Alexander |year=2012 |title=Population and Distribution of Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) |journal=Baltic Forestry |volume=18 |pages=168–175 |url=https://www.balticforestry.mi.lt/bf/PDF_Articles/2012-18[1]/Halley_2012%2018%20(1)_168_175.pdf |access-date=20 January 2022 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120130712/https://www.balticforestry.mi.lt/bf/PDF_Articles/2012-18%5B1%5D/Halley_2012%2018%20(1)_168_175.pdf |url-status=dead }} according to IUCN, in Belarus, China, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Mongolia, Norway and Russia.

{{main article|Environmental impacts of beavers}}

Beavers are considered ecosystem engineers for their ability to create complex wetland ecosystems by tree-felling, dam-building, and burrowing.{{Cite journal |title=Beaver dams attenuate flow: A multi-site study |journal=Hydrological Processes |volume=35 |issue=2|bibcode=2021HyPr...35E4017P |last1=Puttock |first1=Alan |last2=Graham |first2=Hugh A. |last3=Ashe |first3=Josie |last4=Luscombe |first4=David J. |last5=Brazier |first5=Richard E. |date=2021 |pages=e14017 |doi=10.1002/hyp.14017 |pmid=33678948 |pmc=7898794 }} Wetlands provide habitats for many other species of fish, birds, mammals, and vegetation, leading to increased biodiversity.{{Cite journal |title=The impacts of beavers Castor spp. on biodiversity and the ecological basis for their reintroduction to Scotland, UK |journal=Mammal Review |year=2016 |volume=46 |pages=270–283|doi=10.1111/mam.12068 |last1=Stringer |first1=Andrew P. |last2=Gaywood |first2=Martin J. |issue=4 }} Beaver dams push water laterally onto flood plains, increasing groundwater and surface water storage. Presence of beavers can improve water quality through sediment trapping in dams, and provide natural flood control.{{cite journal |last1=Kemp |first1=Paul S |last2=Worthington |first2=Tom A |last3=Langford |first3=Terence E L |last4=Tree |first4=Angus R J |last5=Gaywood |first5=Martin J |date=June 2012 |title=Qualitative and quantitative effects of reintroduced beavers on stream fish: Impacts of beaver on freshwater fish |journal=Fish and Fisheries |volume=13 |issue=2 |pages=158–181 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-2979.2011.00421.x}} Ponds and canals store water in areas susceptible to drought.{{cite episode |title=Leave It to Beavers |url=https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/leave-it-to-beavers-production-credits/8860/ |series=Nature |network=PBS |date=9 April 2014 |season=32 |number=17}} Beaver reintroduction causes flooding in areas that were not previously flooded. Over saturation causes some plants and trees die, increasing coarse woody debris (CWD) in the area. CWD attracts wood insects, and provides nesting holes for waterfowl{{cite journal |last1=Law |first1=Alan |last2=Jones |first2=Kevin C. |last3=Willby |first3=Nigel J. |date=May 2014 |title=Medium vs. short-term effects of herbivory by Eurasian beaver on aquatic vegetation |journal=Aquatic Botany |volume=116 |pages=27–34 |doi=10.1016/j.aquabot.2014.01.004|bibcode=2014AqBot.116...27L }} and areas of refuge for fish.{{Cite journal |title=The response of a brown trout (Salmo trutta) population to reintroduced Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) habitat modification |journal=Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci.}} Trees and vegetation migrate to drier areas, leading to diversified plant species. Presence of beavers increases numbers in aquatic invertebrates, insects, amphibians, birds and bats.{{cite journal |last1=Gaywood |first1=Martin J. |title=Reintroducing the Eurasian beaver Castor fiber to Scotland |journal=Mammal Review |date=January 2018 |volume=48 |issue=1 |pages=48–61 |doi=10.1111/mam.12113 |s2cid=90754016 }} Ponds create nursing ground for fish, increased fish habitat and habitat complexity. Beaver dams can have a negative impact on migratory fish such as salmonids, preventing fish from moving upstream to headwaters. Deep beaver ponds provide overwintering habitat for fish, reduce ice cover, and stabilize temperature regimes.

Beavers are reintroduced through planned and unplanned releases, such as escapes from captive populations. Unplanned releases can happen through escapes from zoos or wildlife centers, or through natural spread.{{Cite journal |last1=Campbell-Palmer |first1=R |last2=Rosell |first2=F |last3=Naylor |first3=A |last4=Cole |first4=G |last5=Mota |first5=S |last6=Brown |first6=D |last7=Fraser |first7=M |last8=Pizzi |first8=R |last9=Elliott |first9=M |last10=Wilson |first10=K |last11=Gaywood |first11=M |last12=Girling |first12=S |date=2021 |title=Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) health surveillance in Britain: Assessing a disjunctive reintroduced population |journal=Vet Record |volume=188 |issue=8|pages=e84 |doi=10.1002/vetr.84 |pmid=33891731 |s2cid=233381640 }} Planned releases are managed by governmental organizations and environmental non-profits. These are most successful when managed locally. Successful trials to reintroduce beavers start by raising community awareness and support, through community outreach and education.{{cite book |last1=Gaywood |first1=Martin |title=The European Beaver in a New Millennium: Proceedings of 2nd European Beaver Symposium, 27 – 30 September 2000, Białowieża, Poland |date=2001 |publisher=Carpathian Heritage Society |isbn=978-83-87331-29-0 |editor1-last=Czech |editor1-first=Andrzej |pages=39–43 |chapter=A trial re-introduction of the European beaver Castor fiber to Scotland |oclc=169449512 |editor2-last=Schwab |editor2-first=Gerhard}}

The reintroduction of a species can cause rapid change to high-use domesticated landscapes. These changes cause a range of emotional reactions to the community present. Attempting to understand these reactions is important for managing organizations to aid in coexistence between humans and beavers, and population success.{{Cite journal |last1=Blewett |first1=A |last2=Jacobs |first2=M |last3=Kok |first3=K |last4=Jones |first4=NA |last5=Ogle |first5=S |last6=Huijbens |first6=E |title=Emotionally augmented mental models, connectivity and beaver reintroduction in Southwest England |journal=Ecology and Society |volume=27 |issue=1}} The health of a reintroduced species impacts humans and domesticated animals, and other wildlife. Health assessments should take place before and regularly after its reintroduction. In unplanned releases or escapes, it is difficult to produce a health baseline of a species.

As a flagship species, beavers raise awareness and resources for wide-scale riparian and woodland restoration programs by stimulating conservation awareness. Beavers increase ecotourism, as interest in beavers and other biodiversity in ecosystems with beavers increases. Beaver ecotourism has positive socio-economic impacts for local businesses and community members.{{Cite journal |last1=Auster |first1=R |last2=Barr |first2=S |last3=Brazier |first3=R |title=Wildlife tourism in reintroduction projects: Exploring social and economic benefits of beaver in local settings |journal=Journal for Nature Conservation |year=2020 |volume=58|page=125920 |doi=10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125920 |bibcode=2020JNatC..5825920A |s2cid=228838883 |doi-access=free }}

By 2020, due to government-approved and unofficial reintroductions, as well as protection programs and consequent natural migration, there were at least 1.5 million beavers in Europe.{{cite web |title= Eurasian beaver population and distribution: The past, present and future|last1=Halley |first1=Duncan |last2=Schwab |first2=Gerhard |publisher=BeaverCON2020 |date=2020-03-05|url= https://www.nina.no/Portals/NINA/Bilder%20og%20dokumenter/Duncan%20Halley%20%26%20Gerhard%20Schwab%202020%20-Eurasian%20beaver%20population%20and%20distribution%20-%20the%20past%2C%20present%20and%20future.pdf |access-date=2024-08-06}}{{cite journal |title=Population and distribution of beavers Castor fiber and Castor canadensis in Eurasia |last1=Halley |first1=Duncan |last2=Saveljev |first2=Alexander |last3=Rosell |first3=Frank |journal=Mammal Review |year=2021 |volume=51 |pages=1–24 |doi=10.1111/mam.12216 |doi-access=free }}

Initial reintroduction populations show a time lag between the rate of population growth and the resource growth rates. This is seen in an initial population growth followed by decrease in populations to settle into the amount of resources available to the beaver populations.{{cite journal |last1=Hartman |first1=Goran |title=Long-Term Population Development of a Reintroduced Beaver (Castor fiber) Population in Sweden |journal=Conservation Biology |date=September 1994 |volume=8 |issue=3 |pages=713–717 |doi=10.1046/j.1523-1739.1994.08030713.x |bibcode=1994ConBi...8..713H }}

Successful government-approved introductions began in Sweden in 1922, followed later in the 1920s by Norway and the USSR in Russia (both of which had remnant populations) as well as in Latvia. Finland followed in the 1930s, as did Germany (which also had a remnant population). In the 1940s and 1950s, Russia, Poland, Belarus (remnant population), Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, Mongolia (remnant population), France (remnant population) and Switzerland had reintroduction programs. In the 1960s and 1970s, Germany, Poland and Latvia resumed reintroductions, while Austria and Kazakhstan began them. Hungary began in 1980. Ukraine's beaver restoration was underway by the 1970s.

In 1988, Netherlands began reintroduction, followed by Czech Republic (1991), China (1992 - translocation from a Chinese native population) Slovakia (1995), and Croatia (1996), Belgium (1998), Romania (1998) and Denmark (1999).

Reintroduction programs followed in Serbia (2003), Spain (2003), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2006), and United Kingdom (2009).

In 2004, 18 Eurasian beavers were detected in Spain between Milagro and Alfaro, in the Ebro river. Investigations determined they originated in Bavaria and had been released in March 2003, though those responsible were never identified. Regional government plans to remove the animals met criticism from conservation groups arguing the Eurasian beaver is native to Spain with a fossil history of 1.4 million years and historical references until around 1583. After consulting with the European Union, the removal plans were terminated. By 2020, beavers had colonised the Ebro in La Rioja, Navarre, and Zaragoza; the Zadorra river up to Vitoria-Gasteiz, the Arga up to Pamplona, the Huerva up to Mezalocha, and the Jalón into the province of Soria.{{cite journal| last1=Sanz| first1=Benjamin|date= 2020|title=El castor europeo en el municipio de Zaragoza. Incidencia en los sotos ribereños del Ebro. |journal=Galemys: Boletín informativo de la Sociedad Española para la conservación y estudio de los mamíferos |volume=32|issue=1|pages=72–76|url=https://dialnet.unirioja.es/descarga/articulo/7721965.pdf |access-date=2024-07-16}} In November 2021, a young beaver was photographed for the first time outside of the Ebro basin, in the upper Duero in Soria.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eldiasoria.es/noticia/Z4D9C617F-BF14-21AD-46D02B4F67008756/202201/El-castor-europeo-regresa-a-las-aguas-del-Duero-soriano|title=El castor europeo regresa a las aguas del Duero soriano|first=El Día de|last=Soria|date=14 January 2022|website=Eldiadesoria.es|access-date=10 June 2022}} In June 2024, a beaver was sighted at the Tagus river basin near Zorita de los Canes.{{Cite journal|journal=Galemys, Spanish Journal of Mammalogy|issn=1137-8700|volume=36|year=2024|first=Marco|last=Ansón|first2=Celia|last2=García-Prendes|url=https://secem.es/sites/default/files/galemys/articles/Galemys-36-2024-O3-Anson_0.pdf|pages=95–96|doi=10.7325/Galemys.2024.O3|title=A beaver in the Tagus river: a new location in Spain}}

In 2020, beavers were introduced secretly to two sites in central Italy, and have since spread rapidly.{{Cite web|url= https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/battle-of-the-beaver-believers-breaks-out-in-italy-as-species-mysteriously-reintroduced/ar-AA1mjK8M|title= Battle of the 'beaver believers' breaks out in Italy as species mysteriously reintroduced |date= 2024|website=Microsoft News |access-date=16 July 2024}}

Due to beavers travelling across borders, populations became established by 2020 in Slovenia (from Croatia and Austria), Liechtenstein (from Switzerland), and Luxembourg (mostly from Belgium, though according to IUCN, Luxembourg's native population was never extirpated).

Beaver populations also became established by 2021, by migration from Romania, in Bulgaria{{cite journal |last1= Kodzhabashev |first1=Nikolay | last2=Tsvyatkova |first2=Desislava | last3=Krastev |first3=Krasimir | last4=Ignatov |first4=Milen | last5=Teofilova |first5=Teodora | title= The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758 (Rodentia: Castoridae) is returning to Bulgaria |journal=Conservation Biology |date=September 2021 |volume=73 |issue=4 |pages=587–595|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354721570 |access-date=2024-07-16}} and Moldova.{{cite journal |last1= Bouroş |first1=George | last2=Paladi |first2=Viorica | last3=Cassir |first3=Polina | title= First report of Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber Linnaeus 1758) in the Republic of Moldova |journal=North-Western Journal of Zoology |date=May 2022 |volume=18 |issue=1 |pages=71–76|url= https://www.biozoojournals.ro/nwjz/content/v18n1/nwjz_e211701_Bouros.pdf |access-date=2024-07-16}}

In 2023, researchers found signs of beaver activity in Portugal, some 5 km from the Spanish border.{{cite web|url=https://wilder.pt/historias/investigadores-descobrem-surpreendente-registo-de-castores-a-5-quilometros-de-portugal|title=Investigadores descobrem surpreendente registo de castores a 5 quilómetros de Portugal|date=3 March 2023|website=Wilder_Mag |access-date=16 July 2024}}

In 2022, researchers published a feasibility study on the reintroduction of beavers to areas of Greece bordering Albania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria. {{cite web |last1= Galanaki |first1=Antonia | last2=Kominos |first2=Theodoros | last3=Youlatos |first3=Dionisios | last4=Campbell-Palmer |first4=Róisin | last5=Schwab |first5=Gerhard |doi=10.13140/RG.2.2.25132.54400 | title= Preparatory actions for the reintroduction of the Eurasian Beaver Castor fiber in Greece |date=October 2022|url= https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364126496 |access-date=2024-07-16}}

In Russia, by 1917, beaver populations remained in four isolated territories: in the Dnieper basin; in the Don basin; in the northern Urals and in the upper reaches of the Yenisei along the Azas river. The total number of beavers did not exceed 900. Beaver hunting was banned in 1922. In 1923, a hunting reserve was organised in the Voronezh region along the Usman river, which in 1927 was transformed into the Voronezh State Reserve.{{Cite web|url=https://zapovednik-vrn.ru/en/about_us/environment/climate-and-location/| title=Climate and Location|accessdate=3 December 2022|website=zapovednik-vrn.ru (official website of the Voronezhsky Nature Reserve)}} At the same time, two more such reserves were created: Berezinsky and Kondo-Sosvinsky. 1927 also the first attempts to reintroduce beavers in other areas. As a result, by the end of the 1960s, the beaver's range in the Soviet Union was almost as large as in the 17th century. The beavers’ growing numbers made commercial capture possible again. In 2016, there were an estimated 661,000 beavers in Russia; in 2019, the estimate was 774,600.{{Cite web |title=Ученые назвали причины роста численности бобров в России {{!}} Ветеринария и жизнь |url=https://vetandlife.ru/sobytiya/uchenye-nazvali-prichiny-rosta-chislennosti-bobrov-v-rossii/ |access-date=2022-12-03 |language=ru}}

The first sustained and significant population of wild-living beavers in the United Kingdom since the 16th century became established on the River Tay catchment in Scotland as early as 2001, and spread widely in the catchment, numbering from 20 to 100 individuals. Because these beavers were either escapees from any of several nearby sites with captive beavers, or illegal releases, Scottish Natural Heritage initially planned to remove the Tayside beavers in late 2010.{{cite news |title=Feral beavers in Tayside 'will be trapped' |publisher=BBC News |date=2010-11-26 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11845803 |access-date=2011-01-05 }} Proponents of the beavers argued that no reason existed to believe that they were of "wrong" genetic stock, and that they should be permitted to remain.{{cite journal |title=Sourcing Eurasian beaver Castor fiber stock for reintroductions in Great Britain and Western Europe |journal=Mammal Review |date=January 2011 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2907.2010.00167.x |author=Duncan J. Halley |volume=41 |pages=40–53|doi-access=free }} One beaver was trapped by Scottish Natural Heritage on the River Ericht in Blairgowrie, Perthshire, in early December 2010, and was held in captivity in the Edinburgh Zoo. In March 2012 the Scottish Government reversed the decision to remove beavers from the Tay, pending the outcome of studies into the suitability of reintroduction.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-17387962|title=Plan to trap River Tay beavers reversed by ministers|date=2012-03-16|publisher=BBC News|access-date= 2018-03-29}}

In 2005, the Scottish government had turned down a licence application for unfenced reintroduction. However, in late 2007, a further application was made by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Forestry Commission Scotland{{Cite web|url=http://www.scottishbeavers.org.uk/about-the-trial/|title=About the trial|website=scottishbeavers.org.uk|language=en-GB|access-date=2017-04-14}} for a release project in Knapdale, Argyll.{{cite news|title= Beavers dip a toe in the water for Scots return|first=Jeremy|last= Watson|url= http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1560972007| access-date = 2007-12-11|location=Edinburgh|work=The Scotsman|date=2007-09-30}} This application, termed the Scottish Beaver Trial, was accepted, and the first beavers were released on 29 May 2009 after a 400-year absence,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/7419183.stm |title=UK | Scotland | Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West | Beavers to return after 400 years |publisher=BBC News |date=2008-05-25 |access-date=2010-03-15}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8072443.stm |title=UK | Scotland | Glasgow, Lanarkshire and West | Beavers return after 400-year gap |publisher=BBC News |date=2009-05-29 |access-date=2010-03-15}} with further releases in 2010.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8671122.stm|title=New breeding beaver pair released in Scotland |date=10 May 2010|publisher=BBC News|access-date= 10 May 2010}} In August 2010, at least two kits, estimated to be eight weeks old and belonging to different family groups, were seen in Knapdale Forest in Argyll.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-10951209|title='First' newborn beavers spotted in the Argyll Forest|date=13 August 2010|publisher=BBC News|access-date= 15 August 2010}} Alongside the trial, the pre-existing population of beavers along the Tay was monitored and assessed.

Following receipt of the results of the Scottish Beaver Trial, in November 2016 the Scottish Government announced that beavers could remain permanently, and would be given protected status as a native species within Scotland. Beavers will be allowed to extend their range naturally from Knapdale and the River Tay; however, to aid this process and improve the health and resilience of the population, a further 28 beavers will be released in Knapdale between 2017 and 2020.{{cite web|url=https://scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/news/beaver-population-increased-knapdale/|title=Beaver population increased in Knapdale|date=2017-11-28|publisher=Scottish Wildlife Trust|access-date= 2018-03-29}} A survey of beaver numbers during the winter of 2017–18 estimated that the Tayside population had increased to between 300 and 550 beavers, with beavers now also present in the catchment of the River Forth, and the Trossachs area.{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2018-10/Publication%202018%20-%20SNH%20Research%20Report%201013%20-%20Survey%20of%20the%20Tayside%20area%20beaver%20population%202017-2018.pdf|title=SNH Research Report 1013 – Survey of the Tayside area beaver population 2017–2018|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|date=2018|access-date=2018-10-15|page=iii}}

In 2023, two pairs of beavers were released in the Cairngorms.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-67753113|title=Beavers in Cairngorms for first time in 400 years|work=BBC News |date=20 December 2023 }}

A group of three beavers was spotted on the River Otter in Devon in 2013, apparently successfully bearing three kits the next year.{{cite news|title=Beaver spotted in Devon's River Otter by dog walker|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-23332669|publisher=BBC News|access-date=2 October 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Aldred|first1=Jessica|title=Wild beaver kits born in Devon|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/jul/17/wild-beaver-kits-born-devon|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=2 October 2014|date=17 July 2014}} Following concern from local landowners and anglers, as well as farmers worrying that the beavers could carry disease, the government announced that it would capture the beavers and place them in a zoo or wildlife park. A sport-fishing industry lobbyist group, the Angling Trust, said, "it would be irresponsible even to consider reintroducing this species into the wild without first restoring our rivers to good health."{{cite web|last1=Lloyd|first1=Mark|title=Angling Trust welcomes action to remove beavers from Devon River|url=http://www.anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=2189|website=Angling Trust|access-date=1 October 2014|archive-date=31 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731142153/http://anglingtrust.net/news.asp?section=29&itemid=2189|url-status=dead}} These actions were protested by local residents and campaign groups, with environmental journalist George Monbiot describing the government and anglers as 'control freaks': "I'm an angler, and the Angling Trust does not represent me on this issue...most anglers, in my experience, have a powerful connection with nature. The chance of seeing remarkable wild animals while waiting quietly on the riverbank is a major part of why we do it."{{cite news|last1=Monbiot|first1=George|title=Stop the control freaks who want to capture England's wild beavers|url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/georgemonbiot/2014/jul/04/stop-control-freaks-capture-englands-wild-beavers|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=1 October 2014|date=4 July 2014}} On 28 January 2015, Natural England declared that the beavers would be allowed to remain on condition that they were free of disease and of Eurasian descent. These conditions were found to be met on 23 March 2015, following the capture and testing of five of the beavers.{{cite web|title=Devon's Wild Beavers|url=http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devons-wild-beavers/|access-date=24 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810043410/http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devons-wild-beavers|archive-date=10 August 2015|url-status=dead}} DNA testing showed that the animals were the once-native Eurasian beaver, and none of the beavers was found to be infected with Echinococcus multilocularis, tularaemia, or bovine TB. On 24 June 2015, video footage from local filmmaker Tom Buckley was featured on the BBC news website showing one of the wild Devon females with two live young.{{cite news|title=England's wild beaver colony has kits|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-33247511|access-date=24 June 2015|publisher=BBC News|date=24 June 2015|last1=Marshall|first1=Claire}}

A partnership including the Wildlife Trusts, Countryside Council for Wales, the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species, Environment Agency Wales, Wild Europe, and Forestry Commission Wales, undertook a study on the feasibility and desirability of a reintroduction of beavers to Wales, with additional funding from Welsh Power Ltd. The resulting reports were published in 2012 with the launch of the Welsh Beaver Project, which is a partnership led by the Wildlife in Wales, and are downloadable from www.welshbeaverproject.org.{{update after|2010|12|31}} A 2009 report by Natural England, the government's conservation body, and the People's Trust for Endangered Species recommended that beavers be reintroduced to the wild in England.{{cite report |title=REINTRODUCING BEAVERS TO ENGLAND Digest of a report The feasibility and acceptability of reintroducing the European beaver to England |author=J. Gurnell |url=http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com/NaturalEnglandShop/NECR002 |access-date=28 February 2010 |display-authors=etal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710204639/http://naturalengland.etraderstores.com/NaturalEnglandShop/NECR002 |archive-date=10 July 2011 |url-status=dead }} This goal was realised in November 2016, when beavers were recognised as a British native species.{{cite news |author=Carrell, S. |date=2016 |title=Beavers given native species status after reintroduction to Scotland |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/nov/24/beavers-native-protected-species-status-reintroduction-scotland |access-date=18 January 2017}} In October 2022, this animal was recognized as a European protected species in England, which legally protected it from being captured, killed, injured, hunted, or disturbed. This decision also limited damaging beaver's dams and burrows.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-63077068 | title=Eurasian Beaver now legally protected in England | date=30 September 2022 | publisher=BBC News |access-date=1 October 2022}}

In 2019, a pair of beavers was reintroduced to North Essex as part of a pioneering natural flood management scheme for East Anglia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.eadt.co.uk/business/beavers-help-reduce-flooding-in-finchingfield-1-5941722|title=WATCH: Beavers reintroduced back into East Anglia after more than 400 years|first=Ross|last=Bentley|website=East Anglian Daily Times|date=16 March 2019|access-date=2024-08-01|archive-date=30 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330075451/https://www.eadt.co.uk/business/beavers-help-reduce-flooding-in-finchingfield-1-5941722|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/beavers-to-return-to-essex-for-the-first-time-in-400-years|title=Beavers to return to Essex for the first time in 400 years|website=GOV.UK|date=2018-11-06|access-date=2024-08-01}}

In 2001, the Kent Wildlife Trust with the Wildwood Trust and Natural England imported two families of Eurasian beavers from Norway to manage a wetland nature reserve. This project pioneered the use of beavers as a wildlife conservation tool in the UK. The success of this project has provided the inspiration behind other projects in Gloucestershire and Argyll. The Kent beaver colony lives in a {{convert|130|acre|km2|adj=on}} fenced enclosure at the wetland of Ham Fen. Subsequently, the population has been supplemented in 2005 and 2008. The beavers continue to help restore the wetland by rehydrating the soils.{{cite web |title=Born to be Wild! Beavers breed at Kent reserve |url=http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/about-kent-wildlife-trust/news/born-to-be-wild/ |access-date=28 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724015735/http://www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/about-kent-wildlife-trust/news/born-to-be-wild/ |archive-date=24 July 2011 |url-status=dead}} Six Eurasian beavers were released in 2005 into a fenced lakeside area in Gloucestershire.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/4380276.stm |title=Beavers in 'wild' after centuries |date=2005-10-28 |publisher=BBC News}} In 2007, a specially selected group of four Bavarian beavers was released into a fenced enclosure in the Martin Mere nature reserve in Lancashire.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6291260.stm |title=Beavers are back after 500 years |date=July 2007 |publisher=BBC News}} The beavers hopefully will form a permanent colony, and the younger pair will be transferred to another location when the adults begin breeding again.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwt.org.uk/text/673/beavers.html |title=Meet the Beavers |publisher=Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust |access-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080128175115/http://www.wwt.org.uk/text/673/beavers.html |archive-date=28 January 2008 }} The progress of the group will be followed as part of the BBC's Autumnwatch television series. On 19 November 2011, a pair of beaver sisters was released into a {{convert|2.5|acre|0|adj=on}} enclosure at Blaeneinion.{{cite web|url=http://www.blaeneinion.co.uk/Beavers.html |title=Beavers |publisher=Blaeneinion |date=2011-11-19 |access-date=2012-08-13}} A colony of beavers is also established in a large enclosure at Bamff, Perthshire.{{cite journal |title=The beaver: destructive pest or climate saviour? |author=Vines, G. |date=2007 |journal=New Scientist |issue=2618 |pages=42–45 |doi=10.1016/S0262-4079(07)62153-8 |url=https://www.newscientist.com/channel/life/mg19526181.600-the-beaver-destructive-pest-or-climate-saviour.html |access-date=2010-03-15|url-access=subscription }}

In June 2017, a pair of beavers was released into a secured area in Cornwall near Ladock, called The Beaver Project.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/beaverproject|title=Cornwall Beaver Project {{!}} |website=Cornwall Wildlife Trust |access-date=2018-06-14}}

In July 2018 two Eurasian beavers were released into a fenced area {{convert|6.5|ha|acre}} in size surrounding Greathough Brook near Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean. The UK Government hopes that the presence of the beavers on Forestry Commission land will help to alleviate flooding in a natural way as the animals will construct dams and ponds, slowing the flow of water in the area. The village of Lydbrook was badly affected by flooding in 2012.{{cite news |title=Beavers released in Forest of Dean as solution to flooding |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/jul/24/beavers-forest-dean-possible-flooding-solution |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=24 July 2018 |date=2018 |last1=Morris |first1=S.}}

The then Environment Secretary Michael Gove, who attended the release, said:

The beaver has a special place in English heritage and the Forest of Dean. This release is a fantastic opportunity to develop our understanding of the potential impacts of reintroductions and help this iconic species, 400 years after it was driven to extinction.{{cite web |title=Beavers arrive in the Forest of Dean |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/beavers-arrive-in-the-forest-of-dean |website=gov.uk |access-date=24 July 2018}}

• 1922–1939 – Sweden: About 80 beavers were reintroduced to 19 different sites over a 20-year span with an estimated 130,000 individuals present in 2014. {{Cite web|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/04/160419-beavers-animals-science-sweden-world-wild-cities/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220115510/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2016/04/160419-beavers-animals-science-sweden-world-wild-cities/|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 December 2019|title=Beavers Returning to Sweden's Capital Can Be a Dam Nuisance|date=19 April 2016|website=National Geographic News}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.earthtouchnews.com/conservation/success-stories/in-sweden-the-beavers-are-back-but-is-that-a-good-thing|title=In Sweden, the beavers are back … but is that a good thing? | Success Stories | Earth Touch News|website=Earth Touch News Network|year=2015 }}
• 1934-1977 - Some 3,000 Eurasian Beavers from Voronezh in Russia were reintroduced to 52 regions of the USSR and neighbouring countries, from Poland to Mongolia.{{cite journal |last1=Romashova|first1=Natalya B. |title=History of conservation and research activities of the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in the Voronezhsky Nature Reserve |journal=Russian Journal of Theriology |volume=15 |year=2016 |pages=8–19 |doi=10.15298/rusjtheriol.15.1.03 |url=http://kmkjournals.com/upload/PDF/RJT/15/ther15_1_008_019_Romashova.pdf}}
• 1935 - Finland: in 1935, 17 Eurasian beavers were reintroduced, then two years later North American beavers sourced from New York were released. At the time, a difference between the species was unknown. Today, the North American beaver is considered an invasive species in Finland, and outnumbers Eurasian beavers 5:1. The North American species has since entered Russia.
• 1966–1982 – Bavaria: From extinction, reintroduction has increased the population (2022) to an estimated 6,000 individuals. As one of the oldest reintroduction sites, it is often visited and studied for its management practices.http://www.gerhardschwab.de/Veroeffentlichungen/Bavarian_Beaver_Re-Extroductions.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}{{cite journal |last1=Schwab |first1=von G. |last2=Schmidbauer |first2=M. |title=Beaver (Castor fiber L, Castoridae) management in Bavaria |journal=Denisia |volume=9 |year=2003 |pages=99–106 |url=https://www.zobodat.at/pdf/DENISIA_0009_0099-0106.pdf |s2cid=134386750 }}http://www.zachranneprogramy.cz/res/archive/013/003646.pdf?seek=1481200846 {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}
• 1976–1982 – Austria: Around 40 individuals were introduced in the Danube-Auen National Park downstream of Vienna. They have since then spread to the waters around the Danube inside the city as well. By 2020, an estimated 230 beavers lived in the Vienna region outside the national park proper.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wien.gv.at/umwelt/wald/erholung/nationalpark/lebensraum/biber.html| title=Biber in der Stadt|accessdate=1 February 2020|website=wien.gv.at (official website of the City of Vienna)}}
• 1988 – Romania: 21 beavers were successfully reintroduced in 1998 along the Olt River, spreading to other rivers in Covasna county{{Cite web|url=https://www.romania-insider.com/nature-fagaras-mountains-beavers-romania|title=Nature in Făgăraș Mountains: The beavers in Romania|website=Romania Insider|date=31 October 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://rewildingeurope.com/news/european-beaver-returned-to-romanian-danube-delta/|title=European Beaver returned to Romanian Danube Delta|date=7 March 2012|website=Rewilding Europe}}
• 1996–1998 – Croatia: Beavers were extinct in the Balkans for fifty years before their reintroduction. Beavers were sourced from Bavaria.
• 1999 – Denmark: 18 beavers were released at Klosterheden in West Jutland. Since then, other beavers have been released at Arresø in North Zealand.{{Cite web|url=http://newsroom.au.dk/en/news/show/artikel/the-beaver-is-once-more-thriving-in-the-danish-countryside/|title=The beaver is once more thriving in the Danish countryside|website=newsroom.au.dk}}{{Cite web|url=https://wildaboutdenmark.com/introduction-to-the-wild-of-denmark/|title=Introduction to the wild of Denmark|date=23 July 2017}}
• 2003 – Spain: beavers were reintroduced to the River Ebro in Spain, with plans for further reintroductions to the Guadalquivir, Guadiana, and Tajo (Tagus) river systems{{Cite web|url=https://www.martinezbeavers.org/wordpress/2010/12/17/2994-revision-13/|title=Christmas Cheer?}}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• 2004 – Serbia: Beavers were extinct in the Balkans for fifty years before their reintroduction. Beavers were sourced from Bavaria.{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Building It Back – Beaver Reintroductions Across the World |url=https://www.geographyrealm.com/building-it-back-beaver-reintroductions-across-the-world/}}
• 2005 – Bosnia: Beavers were extinct in the Balkans for fifty years before their reintroduction. Beavers were sourced from Bavaria.

File:"Say no to beavers" sign, Alverstone, Isle of Wight, England.jpg.]]

Beavers can negatively impact agricultural areas, by flooding farmland and decreasing crop yields. Beaver scientists manage these issues by relocating beaver dams, using water sounds to trick beavers into building the dam in different places, or using pipes in dams to help control water levels. These methods were suggested when beavers created dams blocking man-made structures such as culverts. In one case, poles were placed 10 feet in front of a culvert, changing the site of the sound of flowing water, prompting the beavers build the dam at the poles and allowing run-off to go through the culvert. Farmers have reported beavers burrowing in their fields, leading to damage to machinery such as tractors and damage to crops.{{cite journal |last1=Żurowski |first1=Wirgiliusz |title=Building activity of beavers |journal=Acta Theriologica |date=15 September 1992 |volume=37 |pages=403–411 |doi=10.4098/at.arch.92-41 |doi-access=free }} Governments have addressed this issue by voluntarily compensating farmers for these damages. Translocation and lethal control are options that should be used as a last resort, as both can negatively impact whole ecosystem.{{Cite journal |title=Monitoring, modeling and managing beaver (Castor fiber) populations in the River Otter catchment, Great Britain |journal=Ecological Solutions and Evidence |volume=3 |issue=3|bibcode=2022EcoSE...3E2168G |last1=Graham |first1=Hugh A. |last2=Puttock |first2=Alan |last3=Chant |first3=Jake |last4=Elliott |first4=Mark |last5=Campbell-Palmer |first5=Roisin |last6=Anderson |first6=Karen |last7=Brazier |first7=Richard E. |date=2022 |doi=10.1002/2688-8319.12168 |doi-access=free }}

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Category:Conservation projects

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