Flooding, habitat loss, and declining biodiversity have become pressing environmental challenges in the UK. Yet, one long-lost species could help address them — the beaver.
Once hunted to extinction around 400 years ago for its fur and meat, the beaver’s disappearance led to the loss of vital wetland habitats and a decline in wildlife diversity. Without these natural engineers, the UK also became more vulnerable to frequent and severe flooding.
In recent years, several rewilding campaigns have worked to bring the Eurasian beaver back to Britain. With their return, the landscape has begun to heal — slowly, carefully, and with scientific guidance to ensure lasting benefits for the environment.
This documentary explores the beaver’s remarkable comeback, its impact on our ecosystems, and what it takes to reintroduce this species the right way.
Reported and presented by Tom Dinh, with interviews of Sarah Brockless, Simon Hurwitz, Sam Rose, and Pete Creech.
