NFU Cymru’s Concerns about Beaver Re-introduction

NFU Cymru has expressed its concern at news that beavers are to be re-introduced this summer into the Welsh countryside for the first time in at least 900 years.

NFU Cymru understands that Ceredigion-based Wales Wild Land Foundation is currently building an enclosed habitat for a pair of European beavers at Artist’s Valley, near Machynlleth. An observation area will also be built for visitors. Monitoring and research will also be carried out to evaluate whether the beaver can be reintroduced into more enclosed sites or back into the wild.

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.

NFU Cymru is aware of a recent experience in Scotland where beavers have escaped their enclosure, travelled long distances and caused significant damage to trees.

Mr Llewellyn said, "Some of these beavers in Scotland, we’ve been informed, 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. We can only hope that the fences erected in Ceredigion will be secure enough to keep this pair in."

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 what is happening in north Ceredigion. As Mr Llewellyn says, "Prevention is better than cure."