Why it’s boom time for beavers in England episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 4, 2025 · 14 MIN

Why it’s boom time for beavers in England

from Science Weekly · host The Guardian

Beavers were once abundant in the UK, but hunting them for their fur, meat and scent oil drove them to extinction. Now they’re back, with the news that the release of beavers into English waterways is to be allowed for the first time in centuries. To understand why this is seen as a huge win for the environment, Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s environment reporter Helena Horton.. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod

Beavers were once abundant in the UK, but hunting them for their fur, meat and scent oil drove them to extinction. Now they’re back, with the news that the release of beavers into English waterways is to be allowed for the first time in centuries. To understand why this is seen as a huge win for the environment, Madeleine Finlay hears from the Guardian’s environment reporter Helena Horton.. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod">theguardian.com/sciencepod</a>

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Why it’s boom time for beavers in England

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This episode was published on March 4, 2025.

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Beavers were once abundant in the UK, but hunting them for their fur, meat and scent oil drove them to extinction. Now they’re back, with the news that the release of beavers into English waterways is to be allowed for the first time in centuries....

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