Page 11 - Thrapston Life May 2024

WILDLIFE
TRUST
Beavertastic and 30 days wild
Wildlife Trust get Beavertastic
The Wildlife Trust in Northamptonshire’s exciting plans for beaver reintroduction
at Nene Wetlands this autumn are forging ahead. As well as a fantastic opportunity to
see beavers return to the county for the first time in 400 years, this hardworking species will play a central role managing the wet woodland habitat in an enclosed lake area, helping reedbed restoration while creating a dynamic and diverse wetland habitat that will benefit a range of other species. With large, bright orange front teeth, a broad, flat tail and extra transparent eyelids – called nicitating membranes – that work as swimming goggles, Eurasian beavers are truly fascinating animals. Having a population of these distinctive, charismatic rodents very close to people brings the opportunity for observation and education via the Trust’s visitor centre at Rushden Lakes.
Much planning goes into the release of any native species, especially beavers, under licence from Natural England for their release into an enclosed area, which has been fully protected with fencing to an exact specification, and interpretation signage for visitors is underway.
The Trust are working closely with the Beaver Trust, to ensure the highest welfare standards.
Matt Johnson, Wildlife Trust in Northamptonshire Conservation Manager, says: “This is an exciting and unique opportunity
to see this iconic species return to the Nene Valley, bringing back both its natural habitat restoration skills as well as providing an opportunity for the visitors to see beavers in the wild at our most visited reserve.”
Landowners, The Crown Estate, are enthused at the prospect as this is the first Crown Estate land to see a beaver release. Mike Thomas, Regional Asset Director, The Crown Estate, says: “We’re delighted to be working with the Wildlife Trust to reintroduce beavers at the Nene Wetlands nature reserve. We know that nature is critical for our wellbeing and for a secure future, and urgent action is needed to tackle the decline in nature and biodiversity.”
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© Dan Parkyn © Nick Upton
www.wildlifebcn.org/beavers www.wildlifebcn.org/news/preparation- work-beaver-reintroduction