Beavers bring environmental benefits

A study into the ecology and habitat engineering of beavers reintroduced to Scotland has found the creatures bring numerous benefits to the environment. Results revealed the interconnected pools created by beaver dams increased the retention of organic matter by up to seven times and the level of aquatic plant life 20 fold. Levels of agricultural pollutants were also reduced in areas occupied by beavers, with concentrations of phosphorus halved and nitrate levels lowered by more than 40 per cent