Responding to the government’s consultation into the reintroduction of beavers, NFU environment forum chairman Richard Bramley said: “The potential impacts that beavers can have on agricultural land are of concern to the NFU; undermining riverbanks, damaging trees, impeding farmland drainage and causing low-lying fields to flood.
“In our consultation response we have made it clear that any beaver reintroduction must be strictly licensed by Natural England and stressed the importance that an approved licence must include a long-term management plan, developed with local farmers and backed with adequate funding. Where there is a financial impact on a farm business, adequate compensation should also be made and an exit strategy in place should major issues occur.
“The government has made it clear that it will sanction reestablishment of beavers, so we will work with them, Natural England and all interested parties to ensure farmers are able to continue producing climate-friendly food, as well as care for the great British countryside and progress towards a net zero future.”
-ends-
Notes to editor:
- The government consultation on approach to beaver reintroduction and management in England closed on 17 November 2021.