Terrestrial Ecosystem Science & Services

Beaver reintroduction impacts

400 years after being extirpated from the UK landscape, beavers are finally making a comeback! Across the country, researchers have been developing an evidence base for how these ecosystem engineers interact with our extensively modified landscapes to maximise benefits and minimise possible conflicts associated with their reintroduction. Richard Brazier and Alan Puttock at the University of Exeter have been at the forefront of this research, working with many partners.

Wild beavers reintroduced to the River Otter in Devon, credit Jo Snöälv
Beavers have profound impacts on the structure and function of riparian ecosystems

Andy contributed to some of the early work, particularly by leading aerial surveys to quantify the extent of beaver impacts across different reintroduction sites. Our exciting early findings included demonstrated the ability of beaver dam networks to attenuate peak flows and mitigate flood risk, and the huge biodiversity benefits of the mosaic landscapes that beavers create.

Beavers enhance habitat mosaics and biodiversity.
Hydrographs demonstrate how beaver dam networks attenuating peak flows.
Early surveys were undertaken with custom-built drones like this 3DR Y6 but now modern consumer drones make surveys much easier!

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