Creating space for the beaver

The beaver had been extinct in large parts of Germany for a good 400 years. Only in Saxony-Anhalt did a small population survive. Since being introduced to Bavaria 50 years ago, the beaver has been spreading again in Germany. However, even today it is still very rare and a strictly protected species of Community interest under European law (FFH species).  

The large rodent is considered a key ecological species: with its construction activities, it creates new dynamics in flowing waters and creates new spawning, breeding and resting places for countless species. Beaver biotopes are therefore among the most species-rich ecosystems in Central Europe. Small-scale structures and a dynamic alternation between wet and dry conditions create a mosaic of habitats for numerous animals and plants, some of which are highly specialized. Its construction activity also has many benefits for humans, as groundwater is recharged, watercourses dry out more slowly and new floodplains are created, which delay water runoff and thus protect against flooding.

There are hardly any ecologically valuable floodplains left

The beaver is an ideal master builder for creating alluvial forests. Alluvial forests are forests along rivers that are influenced by the natural flooding of the river and are therefore flooded several times a year to varying degrees and for varying lengths of time. As natural water reservoirs, floodplains are important retention areas and are of central importance for nature conservation and flood protection. At the same time, they contribute significantly to groundwater recharge and regional water availability by keeping water in the landscape.

In its floodplain status report from 2021, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN) comes to the conclusion that only 1% of alluvial forests in Germany are very little changed and therefore intact and ecologically functional. According to the BfN, the main causes of endangerment are the construction of river banks, river straightening, the construction of barrages, recreational activities, sand and gravel extraction and afforestation with alien tree species. Numerous renaturation projects have been implemented on larger rivers since 1983, but according to the BfN, only a small part of the nationwide potential for the reconnection of floodplain areas has currently been exhausted. 

The beaver as an ally

In addition to the many advantages that arise from the beaver's building activities, there are also occasional conflicts, e.g. when fields are flooded. According to the Bavarian State Office for the Environment, 90 % of all problems with beavers occur less than 10 m from the water. This is precisely where our project aims to start by purchasing or leasing riparian strips on a long-term basis. In this way, conflicts can be defused and safe habitats for beavers can be created at the same time.

In cooperation with local authorities and farmers, this project aims to select suitable sites for potential beaver territories on small level II watercourses. By designing near-natural bank breaks, lowering the banks to increase the flooded area and planting alluvial forest trees, the settlement of the large rodent can be proactively promoted and managed.

This can help prevent conflicts with neighboring residents and at the same time promote new, species-rich riparian forests. A study from 2019 shows: Wherever it settles, new wetlands are created cost-effectively, leading to an increase in biodiversity of up to 80 % within a short period of time.

Beaver biotopes are being created in Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia

The core regions of the project are the federal states of Thuringia, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, as Naturefund is already implementing various projects here and working closely with the local authorities.
With a network of authorities, water protection agencies, conservationists, farmers and volunteers, small islands of wilderness with a high level of biodiversity are to be created in our intensively used cultural landscape.

Thanks to the project, riparian forests can grow undisturbed and watercourses can once again follow their natural course, meandering to the right and left of their original banks. Wherever possible, a local organization will become the guardian and possibly also the owner of the new beaver territories. Where this is not possible, Naturefund takes over ownership. 

Help us with this project! With just €5 you can help to secure 2 m² of riparian strip for the beaver!

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