Study: beavers can help improve water quality

New evidence suggests a wild beaver colony living on the River Otter could help to improve the local ecosystem.

Work undertaken by the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) examined the impact of beavers - held in captivity - and showed that the creatures are helping to remove sediments from water, therefore improving its quality.

This is an indication that England’s only wild population of beavers – allowed to remain on the River Otter after a landmark ruling - could be having a positive impact on their environment.

The DWT’s Stephen Hussey said: “The evidence we’ve gathered is showing us that beavers are having a beneficial effect helping to remove sediments from water and therefore improving water quality, and creating new habitat for a host of wildlife including amphibians.”

He explained the trust, with the University of Exeter, studied the effects of beavers on water levels and qualities in a small captive colony as part of a project funded by Westland Countryside Stewards.

The birth of baby beavers – known as kits – on the River Otter in June was met with joy from campaigners and taken as evidence the family is ‘thriving’.

Following a campaign led by conservationists and residents, DWT was granted a license to capture the creatures and test them for disease, before re-releasing them back into the wild for monitoring as part of the Devon Beaver Project.

To find out more about the project, visit: http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devon-beaver-project/