Beavers are set to return to Gloucestershire after 400 years
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust believes they'll bring benefits to the local ecosystem.
Beavers were once hunted to extinction in Gloucestershire but after four centuries away, they are now set to make their return.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) says these "ecosystem engineers" ability to build dams will have an "incredible impact" on the county's landscape.
To help the beavers have a successful return to Gloucestershire, The Trust have launched the Project Beaver appeal to raise money for a feasibility study. GWT's Ecosystem Recovery Manager Anna Tarbet says this will allow them to asses "what's possible when it comes to reintroductions here in Gloucestershire.
"We'll be looking at biological aspects such as where's the right habitat, but also what impact they could have on humans and humans on them."
So far the appeal has raised nearly £10,000.
The Forestry of England are collaborating with GWT on the project and Ben Robinson, their Planning and Environment Manager is looking forward to exploring how beavers will benefit the county, “We have already seen the changes beavers can bring to a landscape at Greathough Brook.
These amazing animals are a keystone species, and known as an ecosystem engineer they can restore habitat, by creating feeding and breeding opportunities for a range of other wildlife.
It’s fantastic to be exploring opportunities to bring back a free-living beaver population to the county.”