Beavers used to be common residents of the UK's rivers and wetlands and they are now making a comeback in London after 400 years. Recently, a family of beavers has been spotted in the River Ravensbourne, a tributary of the River Thames, in South London. And these "ecosystem engineers" have been busy building dams, creating ponds, and improving the quality of the watercourse. 🦫
This is great news for the local ecosystem, as beavers shape the landscape and create habitats for other animals. Their dams can help to restore wetland habitats, improve water quality, and reduce the risk of flooding. And there is evidence that the beavers in the River Ravensbourne are providing flood protection. The train station in Catford, which is located near the river, has suffered from flooding in the past. But since the beavers arrived and started building dams, the water levels have been lower and the risk of flooding has been reduced.
Beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK in the 16th century, but since last year are a protected species in England and thanks to the work of wildlife protection NGOs like Ealing Wildlife Group there have been successful reintroductions in Scotland and other parts of the UK. The beavers in the River Ravensbourne are a reminder that if we protect and restore our ecosystems, we can not only help wildlife to thrive but also create a more sustainable environment for ourselves. Win-win! Let's hope that more beavers will return to London's waterways and help to restore our urban ecosystems, one dam at a time. 🦫
https://www.euronews.com/green/2023/02/07/beavers-are-returning-to-london-and-they-might-protect-a-local-train-station-from-flooding
https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/10/01/beavers-are-now-a-protected-species-in-england-400-years-after-they-were-hunted-to-extinct
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107 w
Great information about this natural engineers.
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107 w
Dear Sarah Chabane Thank you for getting your climate love to level 2! We have reached out to Ealing Wildlife Group and requested a response. I will keep you updated on any progress! /Adam We Don't Have Time
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107 w
It's a great example of how nature can help us to protect our environment and promote biodiversity.
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107 w
England should keep up the good work. Sometimes we take these small animals for granted whereas they serve a great purpose in our ecosystem.
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107 w
Had no idea that they have all those benefits to our planet..this is great
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107 w
@rosebellendiritu yes, they are amazing animals :)
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107 w
Always nice to see a beaver😃
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107 w
This is wonderful news!
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107 w
This is a good news for our planet!