BEAVERS IN ENGLAND
Could beavers help slow flash floods? A reintroduction project in England shows how their dams can hold back water
Eurasian beavers returned to the UK after centuries. Then came a five-year trial that reshaped their future, along with the English landscape. Dive into the story to find out more.
The oysters nobody can harvest are still making money for coastal communities. Here’s how
North Carolina's oyster restoration initiatives are proving to be a boon for local economies and the environment alike. These safeguarded reefs not only create jobs and bolster the fishing sector, but are also vital for oyster reproduction, boosting overall reef health. Studies confirm that these habitats help shield coastlines by dissipating wave energy, leading to plans for expanding the sanctuary network to maximize these gains.
Two beavers built a 115-foot dam in Dorset in just a year. Formed a shaded woodland and is now a wetland where otters fish and barn owls hunt
In Dorset, the reintroduction of beavers has led to significant landscape transformation, creating a wetland habitat. Their dam-building activities are attracting various species, including otters and barn owls. The beavers' actions also help hold back water, potentially reducing flooding in adjacent areas. Although there have been challenges during the reintroduction, the project provides valuable insights into ecosystem restoration. Conservationists emphasize the importance of allowing natural processes to shape environments effectively.
In 2019, 2 beavers were released in Yorkshire’s Cropton Forest. 5 years later, 6 dams are slowing floodwaters and reviving wildlife
A five-year experiment in North Yorkshire shows how beavers can reshape ecosystems while helping manage floodwater. Two beavers built six dams in Cropton Forest, creating wetlands and boosting habitats for plants, amphibians, mammals and insects. Researchers found the dams reduced peak water flows by nearly half, highlighting how natural engineering could complement wider flood-management and restoration efforts.
After 400 years, beavers are back in England; 9 dams are estimated to store 3 million litres of water and slow flood flows
Beavers are altering England's waterways by building dams and canals. These structures increase water storage and slow down river flows significantly. Studies show reduced peak flows after beaver reintroduction in several locations. The Essex Beaver Project stored millions of litres of water in new ponds.
In 2025, British naturalist Chris Packham helped restore 55 acres in Devon with 3,500 native trees; a year later, wetlands, wildfowl, waders and otters had transformed the former pasture
A rewilding project in Downicary, Devon, has transformed a plain field into a vibrant wetland. This initiative has successfully attracted diverse wildlife, including otters and kingfishers to the area. Meanwhile, Bowyers Wood in East Sussex has seen the return of beavers after four centuries. Earth moving at Bowyers Wood created new habitats for reptiles and small mammals.
Conservationists spent £29,000 making 20 wildlife ponds in England. Two beavers created twice as many in half the time for free
Two beavers created numerous ponds at Helman Tor nature reserve. This natural construction occurred much faster than human efforts. Conservationists spent significant funds and time digging fewer ponds. Beavers are ecosystem engineers that transform landscapes by building dams. Their work creates habitats and natural flood defenses for wildlife.
England’s hidden 7,500-acre wilderness could become the ‘Yellowstone of Britain’ — a £8.5 million rewilding project aims to bring back rare wildlife over the next 20 years
Emblehope Moor in Northumberland is undergoing a significant nature restoration over twenty years. This ambitious project aims to rewet peatlands and reintroduce native species like beavers. Exmoor ponies will manage dense vegetation, and Sitka spruce plantations will be removed. Restore plans to repay investors and transfer land to community ownership eventually. This initiative could create Britain's largest connected wildlife landscape.
A couple gave up on a failing Sussex farm, pulled out the fences and let 3,500 acres go feral; it became the template for British rewilding
A British farm, once burdened by debt, became a successful rewilding project. Free-roaming herbivores were introduced to restore the land's natural processes. Bird and butterfly populations significantly increased after the rewilding efforts began. This project demonstrates that damaged land can recover within a human lifetime. Similar initiatives are now underway on the American prairie.
How beavers helped a struggling England farm secure a £1 million deal and spark a multimillion-pound revival
A Lincolnshire rewilding project aims to prove nature restoration's profitability. Beavers will be reintroduced to a 1,525-acre farm, transforming it into wildland. This initiative seeks significant private investment while supporting biodiversity and climate resilience. The project generates income through carbon removal credits and biodiversity net gain units. This venture follows a successful model implemented at the Knepp estate in West Sussex.
On This Day in History, June 22: Fast & Furious release, France surrenders, Germany invades Soviet Union, Napoleon abdicates, Galileo recants, Maradona's Hand of God, G.I. Bill signed and other events
On This Day in History, June 22 witnessed Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union, Napoleon's second abdication, Galileo's recantation before the Inquisition and the signing of the G.I. Bill by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The date is also remembered for Diego Maradona's famous "Hand of God" goal, France's surrender to Nazi Germany and the birth of acclaimed actress Meryl Streep.
Archaeologists discovered a lost prehistoric corridor of 8,000-year-old human and animal footprints along the UK coast, revealing a vanished ecosystem
Ancient footprints are emerging from the sands of Formby Beach in England. These tracks reveal humans and animals like wolves and deer walked the same paths thousands of years ago. This site offers a glimpse into a lost ecosystem. Researchers are documenting these discoveries as erosion exposes them. The findings highlight how early human settlements altered the environment.
December Full Moon 2025: Cold Supermoon rising time for US and UK, here’s How to watch the special celestial display
December full moon reaches its peak on December 4, bringing intensified momentum to any significant shifts already unfolding in your personal energy. Commonly known as the Cold Moon, this month’s lunation is also a supermoon, positioned closer to Earth than usual. Its proximity not only heightens its astrological impact but also makes it appear noticeably larger and brighter in the night sky.
Trump's trade war and annexation threats have upended Canada's election
Trump's trade war and annexation threats have unexpectedly boosted the Liberal Party's chances in Canada's upcoming election. The new Liberal leader, Mark Carney, is now positioned to potentially secure a fourth term, capitalizing on a surge of Canadian nationalism fueled by Trump's actions. Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre's "Canada First" approach, mirroring Trump's style, may backfire.
52 places to go in 2025
The article showcases diverse global destinations with unique experiences and recent developments. From Jane Austen's anniversary celebrations in England to the reopening of the Alishan Forest Railway in Taiwan, these destinations offer rich cultural explorations. It highlights future events like the Year of Cézanne in France and WorldPride in Washington, D.C.
It's showtime! UK readies for King Charles III's coronation, the biggest procession in 70 yrs
King Charles III will be crowned Saturday at Westminster Abbey in an event full of all the pageantry Britain can muster.
Kosher Coke & Friday Fish: Religious food rules lead to unexpected innovations
Friday fasting was prescribed for religious communities and all Christians who wished to lead pious lives.
UK study shows Covid-19 infections 'fallen significantly' in England
"These findings show encouraging signs infections are now heading in the right direction across the country, but we must not drop our guard," said UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
Modi Sarkar@2: How Modi's ministers are working on critical mandates of economic strategy and national security
Even as PM and his powerful colleagues in the cabinet are working tirelessly, some of the eager beavers have got cracking relatively silently but with equal effect.
Load More
