Beavers could be brought back to the Thames in an attempt to cut the cost of water bills

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BEAVERS could be brought back to the Thames in an attempt to cut the cost of water bills.

The animals are natural engineers which could help clean rivers and prevent flooding, saving millions of pounds usually spent on expensive treatment works and flood defences, according to new research.

The study for Natural England and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species means the shy creatures could be re-introduced into rivers across the UK including the western parts of the Thames.

Biologist John Gurnell, from Queen Mary College, London University, who led the research, praised beavers as "eco-system engineers".

He added: "The potential for them to give benefits to the country at large is quite enormous. They can boost water quality, alleviate the effects of flooding and raise river levels during drought."

They build dams to stabilise water levels around their burrows and channels for foraging, which slow rivers and control flooding, purify water and increase the number of plant and animal species in the habitat.

South West Water is now keen to use beavers to help purify drinking water.

Beavers largely died out in England in the 16th Century but around 40 are in captivity at five locations around the UK.

Three or four families of about 20 beavers could be introduced to a site, although Natural England has not yet made a decision.

Natural England's chief scientist, Tom Tew, said: "Decisions about reintroducing the beaver into England need to be made with a full understanding of their impacts, which is why we have commissioned our this study in advance of receiving any licence applications.

"Beavers could have a range of environment benefits but could only be introduced under the right conditions."

The National Farmers' Union said it was vital the concerns of landowners and farm managers, who believe beavers would damage trees and spread disease, were taken into account before any decisions were made to bring back the species.

Andrea Graham, the NFU's countryside adviser: "While we recognise that European beavers may have benefits for river habitat creation and biodiversity, it should also be noted that there are no naturally resident predators of beavers in England so any reintroduction plan must include a very clear exit strategy and robust practical control measures.

"The plan must include a clear idea of any long-term potential economic and physical impacts on the English landscape, including flood risk or, crucially, any potential for disease transmission which becomes more relevant as new and emerging exotic diseases continue to threaten our native animals and wildlife."

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