Beavers are playing a crucial role in natural flood prevention efforts in the Forest of Dean. Following the severe flooding in Lydney during Storm Bert in November 2024, local authorities have been exploring innovative ways to manage water flow and mitigate future flood risks.
The flooding affected around 50 homes when the River Lyd overflowed after the area experienced a month’s worth of rain within just two days. In response, the Forest of Dean District Council reviewed lessons learned from the multi-agency emergency response at their July 17 overview and scrutiny committee meeting.
Councillors discussed upstream measures designed to slow water flow naturally, including the strategic use of beavers. Councillor Trevor Roach raised the idea of introducing more beavers to manage log jams and water retention naturally, asking if the council could effectively put “beavers on the payroll” for this environmental task.
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County Council principal flood risk management officer James Blockley confirmed that such initiatives are already underway in partnership with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and Forestry England. “We’ve conducted two captive beaver releases in the Forest of Dean,” he explained. “The most recent release was at Perry Hay, where Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is concluding an extensive consultation on wild beaver reintroduction.”
Blockley highlighted the ecological benefits these efforts bring through watercourse renaturalisation that creates optimal habitat for beavers. “The beavers at Perry Hay are building remarkable structures, offering a vivid example of what rewilding with beavers can achieve,” he added.
Blockley described witnessing the beaver releases as one of the proudest moments of his career, praising their immediate positive environmental impact.
Originally introduced by Forestry England near Lydbrook in 2018 to enhance biodiversity and reduce flood flow through Greathough Brook, the beavers began felling trees and constructing dams and lodges right after their release. Despite the loss of the original female beaver, a new mate was introduced, resulting in two kits born in April 2023 and another two in 2024. In May 2024, a new pair—from Scotland and Devon—was released at Perry Hay near Mallards Pike with the goal to build dams and further enhance wetland habitats.
These natural engineers are now integral to the region’s flood resilience strategy, demonstrating a promising, sustainable approach to environmental management and community protection.