More beavers set to be released

A breeding pair of beavers will be released into a new enclosure in the Shropshire Hills on Monday.

They will settle in a 6.5-hectare (16-acre) enclosure in the headwaters of the River Clun, and it is hoped they will help reduce flooding, create wetland habitats and improve conditions for the river and communities downstream.

The beavers were relocated from Scotland, and are both estimated to be two or three years old.

"We're looking forward to seeing the beavers settle into their new home and watching the landscape change over time," said Joe Pimblett, CEO at the Severn Rivers Trust.

"What they do here in the headwaters will have an impact far beyond the enclosure."

The trust said the beavers would be naturally introduced to each other within the enclosure, which would allow them to establish their own space before meeting.

The project is being led by the trust, but is a collaboration with other agencies including the Environment Agency and Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust were behind the release of Shrewsbury's beaver pair in February.

The Severn Rivers Trust said the River Clun and its tributaries were a "critical and fragile ecosystem", and the species within them, like Atlantic Salmon, needed clean, well-oxygenated water to survive.

"By slowing water flow and trapping sediment, beaver wetlands will help improve water quality, benefitting not only fish populations but a whole range of plants and animals that depend on healthy rivers," it added.

Alongside new wetland habitat being created, cattle will be introduced in the short-term to help maintain the grassland surrounding the site.

A temporary lodge has been built on a pond inside the enclosure for the beavers, to help them settle.

"If we're serious about restoring nature in Britain, we need to start tackling issues at the source," said Mr Pimblett.

"The exceptional challenges facing our rivers - including declining water quality, increased flooding and habitat loss - require fresh and bold approaches.

"By bringing beavers back to the uplands, we are working with nature to rebuild healthier and more resilient landscapes from the headwaters down."

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