As it is revealed that red kite numbers in the UK have risen from just 13 in 1990 to 2,000 today, we join those backing the reintroduction of the beaver and the white stork to Britain
Reports this morning that the reintroduction of red kites to the Britain has been “one of the most successful reintroduction projects in the world” gives hope to us all.
Next, with Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England hailing their being “strong momentum” for other reintroductions, we today join those backing those working towards returning beavers and white storks also.
Beavers have already been successfully reintroduced in Knapdale, Scotland and on the River Otter in Devon and 13 licences for them have been issued since 2017. Their dams, as with otters also, provide habitats for other species and also store floodwater and filter pollutants.
Speaking to the Guardian, Juniper remarked: “A very eloquent case has been made by conservationists for the return of the beaver… [Reintroduction will] put back some of the living fabric of our islands that’s been depleted over many years from habitat destruction, persecution and chemical pollution.”
White storks, meanwhile, have fledged chicks in the wild for the first time since 1416 recently also. Though considered “generalist predators,” the White Stork Project declare “[they] could be a means by which we can reignite our affection for the natural world and it could act as an emblem for environmental restoration.” The partnership are aiming for a population of at least 50 breeding pairs in southern England by 2030.
Here, at a time of international crisis, is a ray of hope we should all celebrate and support. All hail the return of the biodiversity boosting beaver.
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