Beavers create dams that reduce the water flow which keeps fields green in the drought

Beavers’ construction activities have helped to maintain an area of wetland that they’ve created on farmland in the Devon Countryside. Around this area in the drought the land is all dry, but the area where the beavers are is still green. The beavers have brought measurable benefits to people and wildlife, alleviating flooding, reducing pollution and boosting populations of fish, amphibians and other wildlife, but although this is true in time drought, in times of flooding then many of the flood plains will again flood and this will damage a significant amount of farmland. The beaver dams do slow down the rate at which the water leaks down the valleys and this can alleviate and mitigate floods. There is still a large amount of argument between the farmers who want the maximum amount of land to work on and the beaver who can manage and restore the wetlands.

Photo Clinton Devon Estates



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