Environment

Beavers and Sea Eagles returning to England

by Amy Judd | November 21, 2008 at 05:23 pm

345 views | 37 Recommendations | 8 comments

Two species that have both been extinct in Britain, are once again returning to its shores; Beavers and Sea Eagles.

Last night, four wild beaver families arrived at Heathrow airport from Norway, in the first step to reintroduce the mammals to England. They were hunted to extinct around the 16th or 17 century.

The beaver families, which were trapped in Norway after several months of careful observation, will be quarantined for six months before being released in western Scotland.

"This is the latest stage in a truly exciting development for wildlife watchers, not just in Scotland but around the world," said Michael Russell, Britain's minister for environment. "I am sure the beavers are awaiting their release from quarantine... as keenly as I am."

Conservationists and wildlife advocates hope the reintroduction of the beaver will spark a further restoration of natural habitats in the British isles.

Also, Sea Eagles could be making a comback in England. They are already flying in Scotland, where there has been some trouble with them, but it could now be reintroduced into Norfolk next summer. It was made extinct in England about 200 years ago.

Natural England's chief scientist, Tom Tew, said returning the sea eagle to East Anglia would boost the local economy, put a top predator back in its natural place in the ecosystem and be "inspirational" for people.

On the Isle of Mull it has been estimated that the reintroduction of the birds bring in an extra £1.5m a year to the local economy.

Dr Tew said: "They are a magnificent bird and the UK's rarest bird.

"Bringing them back would be inspirational to people and a boost for the local economy brought by eco-tourism."

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Paschen

at 19:23 on November 21st, 2008

I am glad to read they are making a comeback. This is good news.

Milieunet

at 05:22 on November 22nd, 2008

Nice to see animals are coming back. Nature is strong.

hussain

at 07:22 on November 22nd, 2008

This is really a very good news that such natural gifts are regaining ground despite indulgence of humans in numerous harmful ventures.

azzayindia

at 08:28 on November 22nd, 2008

this is indeed a great news hope it stays that way

ESOX LUCIUS

at 11:04 on November 22nd, 2008

Cool news! A pair of sea eagles has chosen the Netherlands as a nesting site recently and beavers are back in our large wetlands too. Don't you just love it that de-extinction can actually take place! I want wolves in Amsterdam.