Wildlife Trust reveals Isle of Wight beaver consultation results

The majority of those who responded to February's questionnaire and to an online survey, are in favour of the release the aquatic mammals into the Eastern Yar valley.

A total of 4,883 people responded, of which 89 per cent said they felt positive about it.

While 88 per cent of respondents believed beavers would benefit other wildlife on the Isle of Wight, 81 per cent thought their release would positively impact local flooding and water quality.

• Read more: Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary shares news of sad death

Photo by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

(Photo by David Parkyn)

What's special about the Isle of Wight beavers plan?

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: "Beavers are incredible ecosystem engineers, and their activities create new wetland habitats, bringing benefits to lots of other wildlife.

"Their natural dam-building ability also slows the flow of watercourses, which helps to mitigate flash flood risk downstream and improves water quality. In areas where beavers are already flourishing in the UK, they have attracted ecotourism, benefitting the local economy.

Meanwhile, 73 per cent said they thought beavers could boost the local economy and 87 per cent thought they would contribute to people’s ability to connect with nature.

The consultation is ongoing and a server was also available for three months online.

Beavers are native to Britain but were hunted to extinction, for their meat, fur and scent oils by the 16th century.

Wild populations are now thriving again in Scotland, Devon, Kent, Somerset, Wiltshire and Herefordshire.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust hopes their release here will support nature’s recovery and create a ‘Wilder Wight’.

• Read more: Wildheart Trust's number 10 trip to call for ban on hybrid cats

What are the concerns about the release of beavers on the Isle of Wight?

Some residents are worried about their impact.

Beaver Recovery Project Officer, Izzie Tween, is talking to Islanders about the proposals, the Trust said.

It has also pledged to work with riverside property owners and landowners, to assess the likely level of impact beavers may have.

Tree protection and dam manipulation solutions are also being suggested.

The government has also announced compensation measures, to help landowners protect trees and crops against potential damage.

Eastern Yar by My Pix.

Izzie Tween, from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: "It’s encouraging that a majority of respondents are in favour of a beaver release on the Isle of Wight and see the benefits beavers could bring.

"We also recognise and value those who raised comments and concerns. We’ll continue to consult and liaise closely with stakeholders, especially local landowners who may be directly impacted in the event of a release.

"Ultimately, as a Trust, we believe a beaver release on the Isle of Wight could offer a wealth of opportunities to enhance our climate resilience, restore nature and boost the local economy for many years to come."

What is the next step for the release of beavers on the Isle of Wight?

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust hopes to submit a licence application to Natural England.

However, Natural England is not currently accepting licence applications while it works with DEFRA to finalise the national beaver strategy.

It is hoped the first beavers could be released on the Island by 2024.