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Will beavers return to Wales?
Beaver
Those in favour say that beavers can improve water quality, boost biodiversity and prevent flooding.
Experts debate pros and cons of beavers

Beavers could be making a return to Wales hundreds of years after their disappearance, according to a report by BBC News.

Natural Resources Wales has selected the River Rheidol river in Ceredigion as the preferred location to reintroduce the animal, however work is continuing to assess the results of pilot projects elsewhere in the UK.

Those in favour say that beavers can improve water quality, boost biodiversity and prevent flooding. However, concern about their impact has been voiced to farmers' leaders.  

Speaking to BBC News, Tim Jones, executive director of operations for north and mid Wales at Natural Resources Wales, said that the possibility of reintroducing beavers to Welsh rivers needs "serious consideration."

He said that although beavers have the potential to improve water quality, wildlife and fish populations, the wider effects of reintroducing them should be looked at. This would include their effects on forestry, agriculture and flood defences, amongst many others.

The organisation is working with a number of partners to examine the evidence on the reintroduction of beavers and the outcomes of pilot projects elsewhere. Following this, if they are sure that it is the right thing to do, they will look at the options and the benefits and practical challenges of developing and continuing the project further.

However, Bernard Llewellyn, rural affairs board chairman of the farming union NFU Cymru, has said that he is concerned about potential diseases being spread to people and other animals, as well as about good agricultural land being lost to beavers.

Speaking to BBC Wales' Sunday Supplement programme, Adrian Lloyd Jones, leader of the Welsh Beaver Project, said that beavers would not spread any disease and they would bring many benefits to the surrounding countryside.

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.