The UK's first wild beaver colony in over 400 years has been a huge success and is having a positive effect on the local community and environment, experts have found.

According to researchers who have closely monitored their behaviour in Devon, the beavers have significantly reduced water flow, helped plant and animal life flourish, and drawn in a crowd of regular visitors to the area. Brilliantly, too, their dams can help with the risk of flooding.

Stan Tekiela Author / Naturalist / Wildlife Photographer Getty Images

While the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) were initially concerned the beavers could carry deadly diseases, they tested the animals and allowed them to live freely along the Devonshire riverside as part of a five-year trial.

Plans for the trial were originally initiated by the Devon Wildlife Trust and were also backed by locals. The Trust explain that there are now at least seven breeding pairs, with possibly as many as 13 beaver families living on the river.

"We are committed to reintroducing formerly native species, including beavers, where there are clear environmental and socio-economic benefits. A decision on any future work following the River Otter project will be taken after its conclusion," a spokesperson for DEFRA told The Independent, hailing their success.

Kevin Pronnecke Getty Images

Mark Elliott, from Devon Wildlife Trust, explained that the mammals have created "beautiful areas of new habitat," while also benefiting water voles, otters and wading birds. "It's been really beneficial from a conservation point of view," Mark said.

Let's hope these beavers continue to thrive in 2020.

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