Beaver: Reintroduction in England

Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville Excerpts

Thursday 27th February 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

A 2020 evidence review by Natural England found that beaver reintroductions can bring benefits through the restoration of lost natural ecosystems, including boosting biodiversity and increasing other species. I am sure noble Lords listen to “The Archers”, as I do, on which there was a story around beavers this week. What we will have learned from that regarding species is that where you see beavers you will also find tits.

[Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (LD)]

On Tuesday, I visited the South Downs National Park, which has introduced a pair of beavers. Their introduction can have benefits for other animals. They are large animals that are not aggressive to other species such as the mink, but they appear to act as a deterrent for the mink. Where water voles have been reintroduced alongside beavers, volunteers have noticed the benefit that the number of mink has reduced and thus the water voles thrive. Are the Government considering the reintroduction of both species in areas where they used to be abundant?

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

The Government’s approach to reintroductions more widely needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. We are committed to providing opportunities for the reintroduction of formerly native species where the benefits for the environment, such as the noble Baroness has demonstrated, are clear, but any reintroductions of any species must follow the published Reintroductions and conservation translocations: code and guidance for England.