Case Studies
Beavers in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean was the site of first return for British Beavers after their extinction in Britain 400 years ago. This feat was accomplished in July 2018, when a pair of Eurasian Beavers from Bavaria were reintroduced into the local area.
Beavers are a keystone species, meaning that they provide an importance in their ecosystems. The dams that they build slow water flow in times of heavy rainfall, making it less sporadic. This not only reduces flood risk, but the flow alteration makes many habitats more suitable for aquatic species. Additionally, the dam itself provides a habitat for many invertebrates and amphibians.
The reintroduction was a great success. The beavers quickly began the cutting of trees and construction of dams, increasing biodiversity and reducing local flood risk. They are still monitored closely, and all evidence suggests that the beavers are thriving.
The project has demonstrated the success of reintroducing keystone species and the potential viability of beaver reintroduction, perhaps at a larger scale, in the future.
2007 floods
In June and July 2007, extreme flooding events devastated vulnerable communities in the UK.
The event was caused by changes in the north Atlantic gulf stream, which was further south than usual, and higher sea temperatures that produced extreme rainfall. Some areas of the UK received a month’s worth of precipitation in single-day periods, and average UK rainfall in the month of June was 140mm (compared to the average monthly value of approximately 77mm).
As a result, intense flooding of the rivers Severn and Thames occurred. Flooding in Gloucestershire and Worcestershire was particularly extreme in late July when 48,000 homes were left without power. In addition to this, the following disastrous effects ensued due to the floods:
- 420,000 were left without running water for 16 days
- Widespread crop damage, leading to rising vegetable prices
- Estimated total damage of £3.2 billion
- At least 9 deaths
The event was a devastating example of the importance of efficient flood planning and defences.
2016 Preston Brook biofertilizer event
On 22 July 2016, over a hundred tonnes of digestible waste was discharged into the Preston Brook, a tributary that runs into the River Leadon. A 19km stretch of the river was severely polluted, resulting in a total of 15,200 fish being killed.
Several of the following fish species were killed:
- Brown trout
- Chub
- Eel
- Lamprey
The event occurred when a farm worker turned on a system which transported fertiliser to an orchard, but instead it was discharged into the brook. It was described at the time as being one of the worst pollution incidents in the Hereford and Gloucestershire area in the last 10 years.
The people involved were help responsible and ordered to pay a total of over £62,000. Additionally, over the next four years, a post-pollution restocking program by the Environment Agency was carried out, including the introduction of 90,000 new fish.