Inside Salisbury: Keystone species could be here

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust confirms sightings of beavers

by Annette J Beveridge

Beavers are known for playing an important role in filtering water, boosting wildlife habitat and for flood prevention and they may be here in Salisbury.  

It has been three years since the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, (DEFRA) opened up a consultation about beavers and two years since beavers were recognised as a native species in England. However, during this time, the UK Government failed to set out the steps needed for reintroducing beavers into the wild.

Now it appears that beavers may be here irrespective of this.

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A spokesperson for Wiltshire Wildlife Trust said: “There have been several sightings of beavers in the Salisbury area.

“There are captive beaver enclosures in the region, but none in South Wiltshire. Therefore, it is unlikely that the beavers spotted have escaped from captivity. It is believed that these beavers may have joined the area's waterways from the Bristol Avon, where there is a well-established population.”

Beavers are distinctive stocky animals. Aquatic rodents, they have short legs and a flat hairless tail which is used as a paddle. The tail is often slapped on the surface of the water as a warning. With webbed toes, beavers can swim well, up to five mph and an animal can hold its breath for up to 15 minutes underwater. Their eyes are protected underwater by a transparent third eyelid.

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With good views, it will be possible to see the animal’s distinctive orange teeth. This is caused by iron in the enamel. These are open-rooted and it means the teeth grow continuously.

Beavers are a keystone species and conservationists have been fighting for beavers to be reintroduced. Hunted to extinction 400 years ago in Britain, it will be a welcome return if beavers establish territories in and around Salisbury.

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