Beavers back in London

Another attempt is being made to bring beavers back to London

A pair are going to be introduced to a wetland in west London after an unsuccessful attempt in the north of the city last year.

The pair nicknamed Justin and Sigourney Beaver, were brought into Forty Hall Farm in Enfield, but the male beaver died before the pair could breed.

Beavers were once found throughout Britain but the animals were hunted to extinction in the 16th century for their fur, glands and meat.

A wetland for a new pair of beavers will be created to help combat the climate crisis and promote a biodiverse ecosystem.

The Ealing Wildlife Group has said the animals could be released as soon as autumn this year.

The Mayor has announced a further £1 million pounds to the rewilding project which also hopes to see the return of bees, fish and bats in parts of the capital to help tackle climate change.

The money will also be used to fund a new wild space as large as 140 football pitches.

The London Rewilding Taskforce has found 11 potential 100-hectare sites to be transformed into London's first area dedicated to rewilding.

Areas that could be rewilded include Ruislip Woods in west London, Enfield Chase in north London, Thames Marshes in Bexley or the Bromley Downs in the south of the capital.

A further £1.45 million has also been invested so far through the Rewild London Fund.

Mr Khan said: "We are now facing dual climate and ecological emergencies worldwide, which further threaten our ability to survive on our planet.

"Despite the harm inflicted on the natural world, we have the power to make amends, and I am committed to ensuring that London is at the vanguard of efforts to reverse the trends of declining biodiversity and the destruction of nature.

"Rewilding allows nature to take the lead and is an exciting way to create healthier ecosystems and allow humans and wildlife to live together more harmoniously.

"I'm proud that London is leading the way once again and excited to see what can be achieved with this further £1 million of funding.

"We're cleaning up our city, re-establishing lost species and reconnecting people and nature as we build a greener, fairer city for all Londoners."

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