Communities and landowners are being invited to share their views on a proposed project to reintroduce beavers to the Western Rother, a 52km river running through Hampshire and West Sussex.
The Western Rother Beaver Group (WRBG), a newly formed partnership of environmental organisations, is exploring the feasibility of releasing beavers into the wild following new government guidance that now permits licensed releases in England outside of fenced enclosures.
A beaver swimming in Bowyer Wood (Image: Ecotalk)
David Oakley from the Wild Trout Trust said: “Beaver reintroduction is a significant decision to be made for a river, its wildlife and the surrounding area. A decision which requires thought and evidence.
“The science is clear that the benefits and outcomes from introducing beavers depends heavily on the area they are released in, the health of the habitat, and the management put in place. That is why community consultation is not a box-ticking exercise, it is essential for the success of the project.”
The WRBG is seeking input from landowners, residents and other stakeholders at an open day on Wednesday, June 17, at the South Downs Centre in Midhurst.
Attendees can drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm to learn more about the proposal, ask questions, and share their views.
Beavers, which were hunted to extinction in the 16th century, are described as “ecosystem engineers” for their ability to transform landscapes by damming waterways and creating wetlands.
Their return is seen as a way to boost biodiversity, restore natural habitats and build resilience to climate change.
However, WRBG members emphasise that successful reintroduction relies on careful planning and broad community support.
Dave Elliott from the National Trust said: “These remarkable animals get to work quickly, slowing water flows, building wetlands and boosting biodiversity in ways that would take years of costly human intervention to replicate.
“But we have also learned that successful reintroduction doesn’t happen by chance.
“It requires careful preparation, close working with local landowners, farmers and communities, and a genuine commitment to listening and planning together.”
The WRBG includes representatives from the Environment Agency, National Trust, Forestry Commission, RSPB, South Downs National Park Authority, Sussex Wildlife Trust and other organisations.
The open day will be followed by a film night from 7pm to 9pm at the same venue, featuring a screening of Balancing the Scales.
A Q&A session will follow with Rob Needham from the Beaver Trust and David Oakley from the Wild Trout Trust.
The group is currently gathering evidence to support a license application to Natural England and hopes to build a collaborative case for reintroducing beavers to the Western Rother catchment.