The Guardian's Science Weekly   /     Why it’s boom time for beavers in England

Description

Beavers were once abundant in the UK, but hunting them for their fur, meat and scent oil drove them to extinction. Now they’re back, with the news that the release of beavers into English waterways is to be allowed for the first time in centuries. To understand why this is seen as a huge win for the environment, Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s environment reporter Helena Horton.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Summary

Beavers were once abundant in the UK, but hunting them for their fur, meat and scent oil drove them to extinction. Now they’re back, with the news that the release of beavers into English waterways is to be allowed for the first time in centuries. To understand why this is seen as a huge win for the environment, Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s environment reporter Helena Horton.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod">theguardian.com/sciencepod</a>

Subtitle
Beavers were once abundant in the UK, but hunting them for their fur, meat and scent oil drove them to extinction. Now they’re back, with the news that the release of beavers into English waterways is to be allowed for the first time in centuries. To
Duration
00:14:38
Publishing date
2025-03-04 15:44
Contributors
  The Guardian
author  
Enclosures
https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2025/03/03-68602-gnl.sci.20240303.eb.beavers.mp3
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