Wet beavers split rural communities : Amazing pictures !!!

BBC Radio 4 Farming Today this morning reports on sighting of the elusive beavers which have been introduced by "Natural heritage" (?) in their natural native style wet habitats unseen in the UK for millennia.

Naturally the first "wild" beavers first seen were six adults caught in Bavaria who awoke after a lengthy trans - European journey and kept in "carefully controlled" circumstances in Lower Mill Estate near South Cerney, Gloucester in October 2005. Very near the extensive and rolling acres of Prince Charles and, much in the news for beaver sightings - Cirencester Park !

Beavers in Countryside not a new phenomenom

It can now be revealed, earlier attempts were made in Kent (easier channel crossing by tunnelling ?) in 2001. DEFRA have apparently , according to the program started clamping down on this activity - although feral wolves / dogs are said can be found in well monitored but unlicensed "dogging sites" in parts of the UK.

There are also attempts to meet Scottish appetites for access to beavers - more here at Scottish Natural Heritage. (SNH) who also have a range of "Beaver Publications " for a more ...er ... specialised audience.

One news item that escaped our attention over the Christmas break was news of SNH's plans to release "Norwegian" beavers (an albino sub species ?) in the Independent with opposition from an unexpected source.... "Farmers protest at plan to bring beavers back to Britain after 400 years". Alocal landowner whom we will not name is quoted ..."beavers could spread giardiasis, a disease that damages the immune system.." The Indpendent also had a story in July "Viva la beaver: Britain's population is beginning to thrive again" ... more pictures or Google.

So if you are out for a bit of activity in the countryside this weekend, (especially i Royal Gloucestershire) keep your eyes open for some cheeky, slinky, splashing wet beavers.