Leave it to beaver

The noble beaver is making a return to Britain, having been extinct in this country since the 19th century. The creatures are prized not only for their endearing appearance, but for an industrious approach to dam building – while once it was their fur we sought, now it appears it is their trade. The beaver is playing the role of the hardy, uncomplaining Pole to Britain’s feckless flood defence industry.

In 2005, a crack, six-strong squad of beavers were introduced to Gloucestershire, although their endeavours proved little match for the flooding of 2007. One can only imagine they were simply too little, too late.

Now, with Norwegian beavers parachuting into Scotland, the coming years will see a slow retreat of our flood plains south from Hadrian’s Wall, and residents of low lying areas resting more easily in their beds.