From the BBC:

“Fifteen families of beavers have been given the permanent "right to remain" on the River Otter in East Devon.”

I wonder what the otters have to say about this? Are they on board with this otterly unexpected invasion?

“The decision was made by the government following a five-year study by the Devon Wildlife Trust into beavers' impact on the local environment.

“The Trust called it "the most ground-breaking government decision for England's wildlife for a generation".

“It's the first time an extinct native mammal has been given government backing to be reintroduced in England."

Epic.

“Environment minister Rebecca Pow said that in the future they could be considered a "public good" and farmers and landowners would be paid to have them on their land.”

Here’s one of the furry ladies in person:

What’s so good about beavers again?

I’m so glad you asked.

As talked about in detail in Isabella Tree’s book, Wilding, which I reviewed here, the latest results are basically as predicted:

“Beavers have the power to change entire landscapes. They feel safer in deep water, so have become master makers of dams and pools.”

“The River Otter beaver trial showed that the animals' skill replenished and enhanced the ecology of the river catchment in East Devon.

“They increased the "fish biomass", and improved the water quality. This meant more food for otters - beavers are herbivores - and clearer and cleaner water in which kingfishers could flourish.

“Their dams worked as natural flood-defences, helping to reduce the risk of homes flooding downstream.”

Beavers are the best.

Be more like beavers.