These mighty animals can help us cope better and adapt to the impacts of climate change. When beavers vanished from Britain, our landscapes and wildlife changed dramatically. Today, as we face more floods, droughts and damaged ecosystems, beavers are being welcomed back to restore natural balance. Their return offers a chance to rebuild natural spaces and support a healthier environment – for animals, plants and people alike.
Today we face wilder weather: stronger storms, heavier rain, more flooding, hotter summers and spells of very dry weather. Land and all life need help to cope with these changes.
Beavers are great at adapting to different environments; they can live pretty much anywhere there is enough leafy vegetation to eat, including urban areas in our towns and cities!
Sometimes beavers can cause problems for people. Their dams might make water spread out too much, they might nibble on someone’s favorite tree, or their underground homes could make a walking path bumpy. When this happens, we can help fix things!
Beavers were once extinct in Britain and nearly disappeared across Europe completely. In Britain, they were all gone by the 16th century – over 400 years ago! But conservation groups like the Beaver Trust are helping bring them back. With the support of skilled conservationists, beavers are returning to our rivers and streams. Thanks to people’s hard work, beavers have a brighter future ahead!
Roisin is a scientist who studies animals, their behaviour and evolution.
Animal welfare (their physical & mental health) is important to her.
Sheelagh spends lots of time outdoors, monitoring and managing beaver activity, making small changes to help us and the animals.
Jolene has a vital role raising money to pay for conservation work with beavers.
Romain is trained in animal medicine and checks the health of beavers, working in a zoo.
Elliot is a specialist in helping people learn about beavers and their impacts. He enjoys talking to people about beavers.
Rob carries out important scientific research on beavers and how they share the river with fish.
Emily uses clever writing and design to hook people on social media to share news and facts about beavers.
Jess explains to the government and people writing the rules (‘policy’) what we need for beavers to return.
Helen is leaving space on her farm by the river to let beavers move in and build their wetlands. She is trained in beaver management.
The future might seem big and uncertain, but here’s the good news: You are never too small to make a difference. Active hope means believing things can get better and doing something to help make it happen.
Beavers can help build resilience in the face of climate change.
What is it really like living alongside beavers?
See what happens when animals are added or taken away from the picture and how they all stay connected!
