Beavers back in river for first time in 400 years

The male and female beavers were released separately into the river

Beavers have returned to a Shropshire river for the first time in 400 years.

The Severn Rivers Trust introduce a pair to the River Clun in the south of the county on Monday afternoon.

It hopes the pair will have offspring and can help transform the natural environment through their dam building.

Another pair of beavers was introduced to an area in Shrewsbury earlier in the month and the trust said they have settled in well.

Joe Pimblett, the CEO of the Severn Rivers Trust, described the animals as "eco-system engineers" and said they could create new wetland habitats, trap floodwater and control the flow of sediment downstream.

He also said beavers could reduce the risk of flooding by diverting water away from watercourses.

Mr Pimblett said bringing beavers to the Clun was a "pivotal moment" and added: "If you're a nature lover and you've got an interest in the rural environment this is huge, this could be the precursor to beavers living here naturally in Shropshire."

Joe Pimblett said returning beavers to the Clun was a "once in a lifetime project to be involved with"

Lloyd Cockram, who has managed the project for the Severn Rivers Trust, said a male and a female beaver were released separately to the enclosure which had been created.

He said the aim was to allow them to "meet each other naturally".

"We get to sit back and watch it all unfold," he said

The enclosure will become a habitat for a "whole variety of species" and Mr Cockram said: "Even in my job you don't get to do this every day."