Written question WQ85591

Beavers have been known to be present in the Afon Dyfi catchment for over a decade. Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) staff were among the first to notice signs of activity and assessed any effects. Landowners and ecologists also reported evidence, with only one negative report where a beaver ate parts of shrubs in a householder’s garden. The beaver was trapped and removed, and the shrubs recovered.

Monitoring and assessment is ongoing under Natural Resources Wales (NRW) with landowners, anglers and others now observe beavers and signs of activity. The Dyfi Catchment Natural Restoration Project (DCNRP) asks for reports of any harmful activity for assessment, and possible intervention, but have not received any to date.

In winter 2020 NRW commissioned an additional survey by a beaver specialist from Scotland. This showed the presence of dispersed low numbers of beavers, with no negative issues for ecology or agriculture. From assessment of the River Tay catchment and elsewhere, that specialist advised the main impact of beavers on agriculture relates to arable land close to rivers.

This autumn DCNRP will re-survey the existing beaver population in the wild on Afon Dyfi, including their effects on agriculture or the environment.