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Beavers released into the Forest of Dean
Plans to reintroduce the beavers to the Forest of Dean were announced by The Forestry Commission in March 2017.
Move expected to improve biodiversity and prevent flooding

Defra has confirmed the release of two Eurasian beavers in the Forest of Dean, 400 years after the species was driven to extinction.

The move is expected to improve biodiversity and reduce the risk of flooding in the village of Lydbrook.

Beavers have a key role in the creation of habitats of other plant, insect and mammals species. By creating dams and by felling trees, it is hoped the beavers will stem the flow of water in the Greathough Brook and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
 
Environment secretary Michael Gove who attended the release said: “The beaver has a special place in English heritage and the Forest of Dean. This release is a fantastic opportunity to develop our understanding of the potential impacts of reintroductions and help this iconic species, 400 years after it was driven to extinction.

“The community of Lydbrook has shown tremendous support for this scheme and the beavers will be a welcome addition to local wildlife.”

Plans to reintroduce the beavers to the Forest of Dean were announced by The Forestry Commission in March 2017. Natural England then granted the Forestry Commission a license to release beavers into a carefully chosen and secure site.

“Beavers are natural habitat engineers, restoring complex wetland habitats and providing habitat for declining species whilst slowing the flow of water downstream,” said Rebecca Wilson head of planning at the Forestry Commission.

 “We are delighted to welcome beavers to the Forest of Dean and are keen to observe the many benefits they will bring to both local communities and the wider Forest of Dean environment.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.