A NEW study has been launched by the Government to gauge the impact on the English countryside of the re-introduction of beavers to our waterways – a possibility which will undoubtedly lead to huge controversy.

Beavers could have a range of environmental benefits but could only be reintroduced under the right conditions

Tom Tew - Natural England

There is a growing campaign in some of the wilder parts of the UK to bring back mammals which were hunted to extinction centuries ago. Wolves are to be reintroduced to a private estate in Scotland and other wildlife lovers would like to see the return of species like the lynx and even brown bears.

Because of this growing demand, the Government quango Natural England and the wildlife campaign group, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, have commission a scientific study to predict any problems that would arise if beavers were re-introduced.

The possibility is likely to meet stiff resistance from anglers and landowners but a trial re-introduction has just been authorised in Scotland.

Commenting on the decision to set up the English study Tom Tew, Natural England’s Chief Scientist, said: “Beavers could have a range of environmental benefits but could only be reintroduced under the right conditions. The challenge in considering any future licence application is to ensure that these conditions can be met.”

• The possible reintroduction of beavers will be the subject of our Week in the Country column this weekend.