FARMERS in Cumbria are braced for more beavers to be released into the countryside.

On Wednesday the Government launched a consultation to seek views on what it called a ‘cautious’ release and establishment of wild beaver populations as part of its 25 Year Environment Plan.

But campaigners, including some farmers, have seen the devastation the creatures have caused in Scotland, where a recent report by NatureScot found numbers had more than doubled in the last three years to more than 1,000 animals.

National Farmers Union (NFU) Cumbria County Adviser Helen Forrester said: “It is positive that any reintroduction will be strictly licensed by Natural England and it is important any approved licensing includes a long-term management plan, developed with local farmers and backed with adequate funding. Any impact on a farmer’s ability to produce food needs to be included as part of a full impact assessment carried out before any licence is issued.

“We must remember that beaver reintroductions can have negative impacts; potentially undermining riverbanks, damaging trees, impeding farmland drainage and causing low-lying fields to flood. Where there is a financial impact on a farm business, adequate compensation must be made and an exit strategy must be in place should major issues occur.

“We are committed to working with Natural England and interested parties to deliver the best outcomes.”

A pair of Eurasian beavers, Glen (male) and Dragonfly (female) were introduced to the Lowther Estate in summer 2020, in a licensed, enclosed scientific release.

A second licence has been agreed for a private, undisclosed site in South Cumbria in 2020. Feasibility studies will be undertaken at other potential sites across the county.

Defra said beavers could play a significant role in helping to restore nature to England, creating dams from trees, mud and rocks, which raise water levels, create pools and wetland habitats which support the recovery of a wide range of native species.

Under the Government’s proposals, applications for licences to release beavers into the wild would need to meet certain criteria, including ‘demonstrating positive stakeholder engagement and local buy in', and proof that a comprehensive assessment has been undertaken of the impacts on surrounding land, the water environment, infrastructures, habitats, and protected species.

They will also be given protected status meaning it will be an offence to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or injure beavers, or damage breeding sites or resting places. Defra said projects must also ensure support for landowners and river users is put in place.

NFU environment forum chairman Richard Bramley said: “It is positive that any reintroduction will be strictly licensed by Natural England and it is important any approved licensing includes a long-term management plan, developed with local farmers and backed with adequate funding.

“Where there is a financial impact on a farm business, adequate compensation must be made and an exit strategy must be in place should major issues occur.”

Defra Secretary George Eustice said: "We understand that there are implications for landowners, so we are taking a cautious approach to ensure that all potential impacts are carefully considered.”