Beaver family hoped to save historic Staffordshire peat land

A family of beavers are looking to be released at an under-threat bog near Newcastle-under-Lyme. It's hoped they'll work towards restoring peat land and creating an environment where wildlife can flourish.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are fundraising to release the beavers at Craddocks Moss, which is currently under threat.

The Trust say this is down to saplings and brambles creeping in, which has dried out the peat meaning it can't store carbon in the usual way it does. Instead, carbon is being released and damaging the environment.

Volunteers and staff are unable to work on the bog due to deep pools of water.

That's where beavers come in - able to thrive there.

Jeff Sim from the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust says: "They're amazing creatures, they're nature's engineers.

"They'll help us restore the peat. They love to make dams so they'll catch the water and rewet the peat. This will fight against climate change by reducing emissions and locking in more carbon.

"They'll also help us control the invading brambles which are threatening to take over the nature reserve.

"Just a small family of beavers can do far more than we could ever do ourselves."

Craddocks Moss was created around 10 thousand years ago at the end of the ice age, Jeff says.

Over 200 years ago it was home to rare plants such as sundew.

Unfortunately over the last century, the damage to moss there means many of the plants have been lost.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust are looking to raise £25000 by this Christmas so they can carry out the work needed for the beavers. The entire project is costing £175000 and will include an enclosure, footpaths and a viewing platform for the public.

Jeff says the beavers "can protect wildlife and bring back lost species and plants, as well as bringing in more insects like dragonflies, butterflies, and birds."

Jeff spoke about the Trust's hopes for the future: "In a short period of time we will see quite a big change which we're really excited about.

You can donate on their website here.

"We'll be looking for volunteers to help us monitor the changes and keep an eye on our beaver population."

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