Hello again! I haven't written in ages as I've been busy with school; but now it's half term I have some exciting news to share: in the form of a legal victory for that keystone species, the beaver. This is the start of a section of posts on positive environmental news. I find that almost all of the environmental news out there is depressing reading; and while that is of course important, there are so many good things happening around climate change and biodiversity that just aren't getting the attention needed. So here we go!
Today's story is about a legal challenge in Scotland. The charity Trees For Life's legal challenge against NatureScot was around the issue of licensing to kill beavers. And, happily, the judge ruled that the killing of beavers licenced by NatureScot was unlawful and that licensed beaver killings must halt until the organisation rebuilds its approach.
This is a landmark victory for not just Scotland's beavers, as the judge's ruling applies to all European species protected in the UK. As Alan McDonnell (Trees For Life's Conservation Manager) said, 'This is an important victory which will benefit everyone, including conservationists and farmers'. This means that beavers will not just be thoughtlessly culled unless it is the only solution. And the timing is key as well: with Scotland due to host COP26- what could be the most important summit on climate breakdown in our lifetimes- in just 10 days (!), this is setting an example of the high standards of action needed.
But why beavers? Well, these semi-aquatic creatures have been a protected species in Scotland since 2019; however, NatureScot allowed 200 beavers to be killed under license, despite laws that prevent this except as a last resort. The beavers were being culled because they can damage farmland. But they also benefit other wildlife; soak up carbon dioxide; purify water and reduce flooding.
The hope for the future now this amazing victory has been achieved, is that beavers can be reintroduced into Scotland (they went extinct in the 16th century). NatureScot has identified over 100,000 hectares of habitat that the beavers could thrive in. As well as drastically improving the landscape for wildlife, there is an economic incentive for reintroducing beavers: wildlife tourism!
The public has also shown their support for beavers. Trees For Life's crowdfunder was supported by 1500 people and raised over £60,000! Not to mention their petition to relocate rather than shoot beavers back in 2020, which was signed by almost 17000 people- making it the most successful petition to the Parliament in over a decade!
If you would like to read more about this:
- https://treesforlife.org.uk/legal-win-offers-hope-of-new-era-for-beavers-and-farmers/
- https://wildjustice.org.uk/general/congratulations-to-trees-for-life-and-scottish-beavers/
Thank you so much for reading, I hope that left you feeling just a bit more positive!
Ayla 💚
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