Beavers return to Europe and boost carbon storage
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Across Europe, beavers are making a comeback as conservation groups work to re-establish the species in countries where they were once extinct.
Populations declined due to hunting and habitat loss, but reintroduction programs are now expanding across the continent, including a growing effort in Britain where beavers disappeared 400 years ago. Beaver Trust, a British NGO established in 2019, reintroduced beavers at 22 sites across Britain in 2025, and also conducts research and engages communities to support their long-term survival.
These animals significantly alter landscapes by building dams and waterways, creating wetlands that benefit wildlife and also help manage water resources. A study in Switzerland revealed that beaver-modified wetlands stored carbon at rates up to ten times higher than similar areas without beavers, accumulating nearly 1,200 tonnes of carbon over 13 years. Beaver Trust now shares its expertise with Rewilding Europe, joining a network of groups aiming to restore natural processes across the continent.
The organisation hopes to establish wild beavers in 45% of Britain’s counties by 2045. While beaver activity can sometimes create challenges for landowners, such as flooding, experience across Europe demonstrates that coexistence is possible through practical management and supportive policies. In Portugal, Rewilding Portugal recently confirmed the first sighting of a wild beaver in 500 years, following dispersal from Spain.
