Beavers at work: only humans and elephants have a greater impact on life around them

Beavers, which were hunted to extinction in Britain in the 16th century, are making a comeback and in the process are helping to restore valuable wetland ecosystems. Known as nature's engineers they restore wetland habitats through dam-building and felling trees, slowing, storing and filtering water in their habitat, which attracts other wildlife and reduces flooding downstream.

In the UK, 90% of wetland habitats have been lost over the last 100 hundred years. These waterlogged environments are rich in biodiversity and the loss has led to a drastic decline of wildlife. They are also important in countering the effects of extreme weather conditions, storing and absorbing the water flow during floods and storms.

Guy Henderson heads to Devon to see beavers flourishing in English rivers. Derek Gow, a key figure in rewilding beavers, shows the difference they have made to his land. As the former farm was being transformed, Gow also introduced a number of other lost British species, turning it into a biodiversity hotspot. Recent changes to legislation mean the beaver now has protected status in England as it does in Scotland and elsewhere in Europe.

[OublietteTight]

"This is not destruction, it is gardening. "
Yes!!!

[bergonius]

It's unfair that this video have so few views. It deserves much much more.

[kellyjohns]

"this is not destruction, it's gardening."

[Project-jfbz]

What a brilliant man giving his whole farm to nature and conservation. We need more people like him.

[nevillemignot]

It is so instructive and sensible to see humans learning from our fore-fathers, nature and Beavers.

[briangodfrey]

That Derek is so very eloquent about the interrelationships within nature. I wish everyone on earth could see this video.

[marjoriegoodwin]

I am delighted to have awareness growing. Nature knew what She was up to always. Mother Nature`s children take care of her, as she takes care of this miraculous planet. Beavers are her children.

[Vovo-zxql]

I recently watched a video talking about beavers regenerating the land in America. They even placed them in the Nevada desert/mountains. In a few years they have made an incredible difference in the environment around the creek that had once been desolate. I was totally amazed at the difference they can make. In an area recently devastated by bush fires, the catchment area where they had been working, was the only place to survive. Either side was decimated.

[sidneyvandykeii]

And when Beavers settle in an unwanted area they can be relocated to a more useful area where they are needed.
As long as the Farmers cooperate with relocation and not just killing the Beavers. It is best for the farmers in the long run because of a more hydrated landscape.

[ngaourapahoe]

This is so amazing ! they do this without drawing plans and adjust to what exists and extend it step by step.

[Vovo-zxql]

As the water flows over the dam, it becomes oxygenated which improves the quality immensely which in turn benefits the fish, insect and aquatic plants populations. This then immediately begins to encourage wildlife etc.

[Loganl]

Beavers and wolves are both commonly anchors for trophic cascades. Nature is fascinating in its balances.

[raddadray]

This year I’m plating like beaver on public land yet it’s up on very high ground.Rock on from Canada.

[TheWorldRealist]

Here in the medicine bow mountains there is a beautiful terrace of beaver dams holding the water back providing fish ponds for herons to fish. I go there regularly to see the changes.

[debmercer]

Hats off to Derek Gow, and amazing people like him...

[kmmndr_kn]

Thank you everyone for every part of this!

[dycorty]

Fantastic documentary, and amazing production!!!

[TESLblog]

Amazing! Greetings from Germany, and thanks for sharing this encouraging story! Please keep up the great work!

[nealramsey]

If they would've looked out west of the US and Canada they would've known what good beavers can bring. Beavers are being introduced to the south west to ease the lack of water in the desert.

[forestgreen]

AMAZING CREATURES -- we ARE LUCKY to have them