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<p>The Government is engaged with a number of projects to further our understanding
of the impact of beavers on the environment and flooding. We also maintain contact
with the Scottish Government to learn from its experience on the River Tay.</p><p>
</p><p>The trial reintroduction of beavers on the River Otter in Devon, which started
in 2015, will conclude in 2020. The latest annual report from this trial, undertaken
by the Devon Wildlife Trust, highlights assessments made on water flows and flood
risks. Defra will assess the River Otter trial in 2020 and will seek advice from Natural
England.</p><p> </p><p>The Forestry Commission is currently undertaking two enclosed
trial releases which will contribute to our understanding of the impacts of beavers
on water flow and surrounding ecology.</p><p> </p><p>The Environment Agency is working
with a number of projects that are gathering evidence from beaver trial sites to improve
our understanding of the opportunities and implications for flood risk management.
Natural England and the Environment Agency are working with the University of Exeter
to understand how beavers affect water flow in rivers. The results of these trials
will inform decisions on future reintroductions of beavers in England</p>
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