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Beavers are native in London again for the first time in 400 years

Provided by Metro Beavers are being brought back to London for the first time in more than 400 years to help restore nature and river habitat and reduce the risk of flooding. (Credits: PA)

Beavers are being brought back to London for the first time in more than 400 years to help restore nature and river habitat and reduce the risk of flooding.

A male and female beaver, both two years old, are being released into a specially designed enclosure in the grounds of Forty Hall Farm in Enfield, north London, today in a project by Enfield Council and Capel Manor College.

Beavers are seen as natural engineers who restore wetland habitats through dam-building and felling trees, slowing, storing and filtering water in the landscape, which attracts other wildlife and reduces flooding downstream.

The species was hunted to extinction in Britain in the 16th century for its fur, glands and meat.

Beavers are now found living in the wild on a number of rivers in Scotland and England through official trials and illegal releases or escapes, and have also been introduced into enclosures in a number of English counties.

Conservationists are waiting on a government decision on allowing applications to release the animals into the wild under certain criteria.

Enfield Council’s deputy leader Ian Barnes is backing the reintroduction of native species to the London borough as part of the council’s drive to tackle climate change and improve ecosystems.

He said: ‘Enfield Council is creating wilder, more natural spaces to enable biodiversity to thrive as part of our ongoing climate action strategy.

‘Also, by exploring natural flood management techniques, such as this beaver project, we can reduce the risk of harm from flooding following extreme rainfall, protecting hundreds if not thousands of local homes.’

The project, which will see the beavers introduced into a six-hectare (15 acres) enclosure, is part of a wider natural flood management initiative which will help restore local wildlife and river habitats, the council said.

The council said it is also looking at reintroducing other species such as goshawks and would like to support kingfisher nesting and barbel fish breeding.

Malcolm Goodwin, principal of Capel Manor College, London’s environmental college, said: ‘We know how vital nature and biodiversity is for the health of the countryside and the wellbeing of the good people of Enfield.

‘Our students know this too and they will have the opportunity to protect, monitor and understand the beavers and how they interact with their habitat and the local ecosystems.

‘This is especially important as they will graduate to become custodians of the natural environment we all share.’

To protect the beavers and their habitat, the enclosure will not be accessible to members of the public, though a ‘beaver cam’ will be installed so people can keep an eye on the semi-aquatic mammals’ progress.

Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, beaver restoration lead at the Beaver Trust, said: ‘We’re delighted to be returning beavers to live in such close proximity to this urban area, working with an extended veterinary team to ensure highest welfare for the animals.

‘We’ve seen from Europe and parts of Scotland how adaptive a species beavers are given some water and enough forage.’

She said that, all being well, the pair may produce offspring in 2023.

Reference: Metro Science Reporter

Tory MPs block law to name and shame water companies that kill animals with sewage

Conservative MPs have voted down a law that would have named and shamed water companies that kill animals animals by dumping sewage into the natural environment.

© Getty Images/iStockphoto:Water companies are under investigation for sewage dumping

In a Commons division on Monday evening parliament rejected the plan by 286 votes to 179 – despite support from the Liberal Democrats, Labour, and other parties.

The amendment to the Animal Welfare Bill would have required a new committee on animals to detail "the number of sentient animals killed or injured as a result of polluted rivers".

It would also have required the report to explain what water companies were doing to protect animals in the future.

MPs in favour of the change argued that current enforcement of how private water companies operate is too weak – noting that between 2018 and 2021, there were only 11 prosecutions of water companies for dumping sewage.

Following the defeat of the plan, Liberal Democrat rural affairs spokesperson Tim Farron, who proposed the amendment, said Conservative MPs "should hang their heads in shame".

"Yet again they have let water companies off the hook whilst our precious rivers and waters are being pumped full of raw sewage," he said.

“Enough is enough, we need to name and shame water companies which are being found to destroy precious wildlife habitat. It is scandalous that animals are swimming in filth and seeing their habitats become sewage traps.

“This is a national scandal. Time and time again Conservative MPs refuse to take tough action on water companies. When will they finally listen to the public and do the right thing before our rivers are damaged beyond repair?”

283 Tories voted against the motion, plus independent, Anne Marie Morris, who was elected as a Tory but now sits as an independent.

The motion to require the reports was backed by nine Liberal Democrats, 158 Labour MPs, 1 Green, two Plaid Cymru, five DUP, one Alliance party member, and one Conservative MP, Henry Smith.

Rejecting the amendment in the Commons, environment minister Jo Churchill said: "It is important that we do not dictate the committee’s work plan. Its members are the experts, not us, and are best placed to know where they can add value."

Water companies posted 2.8 billion in operating profits in 2020/21, with all of England and Wales' monopolies raking in hundreds of millions of pounds in profit despite rising bills.

Campaigners say the private companies have for years been underinvesting infrastructure to boost their profits.

And conservationists are worried that lax treatment of water is leading to ecological damage, including in high-profile locations like Lake Windermere.

Last week Ofwat, the regulator, said it was seriously concerned about the companies dumping sewage into seas and rivers and launch an investigation over "widespread shortcomings".

The Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs has been contacted for comment. 

Reference: Independent: Jon Stone

Wisconsin will kill off 2.7 million chickens to stop spread of lethal bird flu outbreak

An entire flock of 2.75 million egg-laying chickens in the US state of Wisconsin will be killed to prevent the spread of a lethal form of bird flu, officials said on Monday.

© AP/Vincent Yu: A man stocks up on eggs in Hong Kong on 7 March

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it had found a concerning strain of avian flu at a commercial chicken farm in the Midwest state, about 50 miles west of Milwaukee.

They said all the farm's chickens would be destroyed in order to prevent any contamination of the human food chain.

“State officials quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the property will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease,” the USDA’s animal health inspection agency said.

“Birds from the flock will not enter the food system... no human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.”

The agency did not name the company that owns the affected flock.

According to Reuters, this latest cull will bring the total number of commercially raised chickens and turkeys killed in the US since February to 6.7 million amid the biggest outbreak of avian flu since 2015.

That year, nearly 50 million birds were culled, causing temporary spikes in the price of eggs and costing the federal government $1bn (£767m), but the strain of flu involved was not easily transmissible for humans.

Commercial poultry farmers have been on high alert after the virus was detected in eight states including Iowa and Delaware, affecting both egg-laying birds and birds used for meat.

The outbreak comes on top of rising food prices due to the ongoing supply chain crisis and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which is a major exporter of grains that feed both people and chickens.

For now, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said the current outbreak poses only a “low risk” to the public and remains “primarily an animal health issue”. 

Horsefly bites: How to tell if you've been bitten and how to treat bites

Horseflies, often large and agile in flight, are notorious pests of horses and other mammals. Found in large numbers in the countryside near livestock, the bloodsucking insects can bite animals and humans. In most cases, horsefly bites are not serious and will result in a raised red area of skin which can be painful to touch.

Are you wondering what a horsefly looks like? From the appearance of horsefly bites to what you should do if you are bitten, take a look at everything you need to know...

What does a horsefly bite look like?

A horsefly bite can be very painful, with the skin often turning red, itchy and raised. Depending on the bite, you may also experience a raised rash (known as hives or urticaria), and, in some cases, dizziness. You'll notice you've been bitten almost instantly, as horsefly bites can develop into large, red, itchy and swollen bumps within minutes.

How do you treat a horsefly bite?

If you have been bitten by a horsefly you should cleanse the bite immediately, using an antiseptic spray to decrease irritation and itchiness. In most cases, the horsefly bite will heal on its own, however always head to your local GP if you notice it has worsened.

"Be sure to watch the area for signs of an infection, such as excessive pus or a foul odour. If you have any unusual symptoms, you should consult your doctor," explain Healthline. "Certain insect bites can cause more serious reactions. If you have difficulty breathing, a rash that spreads, or worsening pain, you should seek medical attention."

What time of year do horse flies bite?

Horse flies love damp areas and hot weather. During the summer months, you're likely to find them in pasturelands near creeks, damp woodlands and in long grasses. According to the Northumberland Wildlife Trust, peak horsefly season is between May and September.

Why are horsefly bites so painful?

Horseflies, also known as clegs, have razor-sharp jaws which cut into the skin rather than piercing it. Unlike mosquitoes who release a mild anaesthetic, horseflies don't, which is one of the reasons their bites are so painful. Once the horsefly has locked into your skin, it will suck the blood, causing a sharp burning sensation. In most cases, this will lead to itchiness, inflammation, and swelling around the bite area.

Can you be allergic to horsefly bites?

It's uncommon to have a serious allergy to horsefly bites, but extra symptoms to look out for include dizziness, wheezing and swollen skin around the eye and lips. Always seek medical advice if you are unsure.

When should I worry about a horse fly bite?

According to the NHS, horsefly bites can sometimes take a while to heal and could become infected. You should see your GP if you have symptoms of an infection, such as pus or increasing pain, redness and swelling. 

Reference: Country Living: Lisa Joyner