Improving engagement in managing reintroduction conflicts: learning from beaver reintroduction

This is the final version. Available on open access from Taylor & Francis via the DOI in this recordData availability statement: The evidenced summaries as shared with the participants are attached as Supporting Information, as well as an example of the ethical consent form for participation.Social factors hold implications for the success or failure of wildlife reintroductions. Potential conflict issues may prevent projects from proceeding or succeeding. The manner in which wildlife managers engage with affected people in conflict scenarios may prevent or contribute toward conflict escalation, so an understanding of how to improve engagement is required. We conducted interviews with individuals who reported conflicts with beavers (Castor fiber) within the case study of a reintroduction trial in England, called the ‘River Otter Beaver Trial’. Using a qualitative thematic analysis, we identified five themes to be considered when engaging with affected people in beaver reintroduction conflicts: (1) Proactive Engagement or a Fast Response; (2) Appropriate Communication; (3) Shared Decision-Making; (4) Sense that Humans are Responsible for Conflicts with Reintroduced Species; (5) A Need for Certainty. We conclude that engagement with affected individuals will likely be improved, with reduced conflict potential, where these themes are addressed.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife TrustNatural Environment Research Council (NERC

Beavers and flood alleviation: Human perspectives from downstream communities

This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordData availability statement: The anonymised Q-Sort data is available at: https://github.com/exeter-creww/Auster-Barr-Brazier_Beavers-and-Flood-Alleviation_Q-Sort-DataNatural flood management (NFM) methods work with natural processes to reduce flood risk, while often providing additional benefits such as water quality improvement or habitat provision. Increasingly, the activity of an animal—beavers—is recognised to potentially provide flow attenuation, along with multiple benefits for the environment and society, but there can also be associated challenges. We use Q-Methodology to elicit and understand human perspectives of beavers and their potential role in flood management among communities living downstream of beavers at three sites in England (Cornwall, Yorkshire and the Forest of Dean). This is the first time a study has focused on downstream communities as the primary stakeholders. We identify diverse perspectives that exhibit a range of value judgements. We suggest a catchment-based approach to beaver management and public engagement may facilitate deeper recognition of contextual perspectives in decision-making and enable knowledge dissemination with communities. Further, we examine the relationship between beavers and other NFM methods through these perspectives. In doing so we identify features that relate to the unique element of relying on the natural behaviour of beavers for flood management, rather than human flood managers being the primary decision-makers.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife Trus

Beaver Management Groups: Capturing lessons from the River Otter Beaver Trial and River Tamar Catchment

This is the final version. Available from Natural England via the link in this recordThis commissioned report is a social science case study of how beaver management groups are forming around the unofficial beaver populations. It draws on findings from a previous, peer-reviewed study that captured the experiences of stakeholders involved in governing the River Otter Beaver Trial (ROBT) (Renewed Coexistence: Learning from Steering Group Stakeholders on a Beaver Reintroduction Project in England, 2022), and explores the applicability of those findings to the River Tamar. The findings of the report can be applied to other settings and inform the development of other Beaver Management Groups. The findings were that Beaver Management Groups can be adaptive structures that evolve in reflection of changing circumstances and new learning. Rather than being a fixed governance structure therefore, Beaver Management Groups themselves are a process, that seeks to facilitate renewed coexistence between humans and beavers in catchment settings. Three key stages to in the beaver management group process were identified: ‘Formation’, ‘Functioning’, and ‘Future?’. It also considers the external factors at play at each stage of the process

Wildlife Tourism in Reintroduction Projects: Exploring Social and Economic Benefits of Beaver in Local Settings

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available on open access from Elsevier via the DOI in this recordWildlife reintroduction projects are required to account for social and economic factors. Wildlife tourism is often cited as a benefit of reintroduction, so an understanding of whether and how this manifests is required. Through a case study of a village in the catchment of a live reintroduction project (Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) in England) we reveal how reintroduced species tourism has economic benefit for local business, but the scale of benefit is dependent upon business initiatives that take the opportunity (eg merchandise, marketing etc.). We suggest reintroduction practitioners should actively encourage local businesses to maximise opportunities, especially where tourism is cited as a reason to reintroduce. We recommend further research into whether benefits remain in the long-term, but speculate some value will persist. Finally, we recognise reintroduction-related wildlife tourism may interact with other local issues, but seeing a reintroduced species or signs of its activity can produce positive emotional responses.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife TrustNatural Environment Research Council (NERC

Renewed coexistence: learning from steering group stakeholders on a beaver reintroduction project in England

This is the final version. Available on open access from Springer via the DOI in this recordData availability: All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article (and its Supplementary Information files). The anonymised survey data is available in full (with participants’ details redacted) in the supplementary information.Species reintroductions are growing in popularity, and example motivations include supporting species populations or the restoration of ecosystem function. Interactions between humans and the reintroduced species are likely to occur post-reintroduction. Coexistence between humans and wildlife is adaptive and dynamic, in part requiring management of conflicts between humans and wildlife, or of conflicts between humans over wildlife management. We seek to learn from the experiences of steering group members in a Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) project in England and identify how governance of coexistence with reintroduced species may differ from the governance of coexistence with species that are already present in the landscape. Using a qualitative thematic analysis of an online survey, we identify a series of lessons in six key areas: (1) project governance, (2) stakeholder engagement, (3) research and monitoring programme, (4) strategy to manage arising conflicts, (5) public engagement, and (6) broad perspectives on reintroduction trials. We advocate for reflective evaluation as an essential component of reintroduction projects to enable knowledge-sharing from experiences, leading to improved practices in the future. Reflecting on our analysis, we identify and define 'Renewed Coexistence'-a new term that draws on pre-existing coexistence knowledge but identifies the unique elements that relate to governing coexistence with reintroduced species.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife Trus

Perceptions of Pine Marten Reintroduction in South-West England: Results of a Q-Method Stakeholder Study and Regional Public Survey

This is the final version.Report for submission to the Two Moors Partnership. Executive Summary • At the time of writing, a proposal is being put forward by the Two Moors Partnership to reintroduce pine martens (Martes martes) to the south-west. • Neither the University of Exeter nor individual authors of this report are members of the Two Moors Partnership. The authors were commissioned as independent researchers to capture an understanding of perceptions held by key stakeholders and the wider public about pine marten reintroduction in the south-west. • Between March and July 2023, two studies were completed in parallel. This is a factual report that presents the findings from these two studies. [...

Learning to live with reintroduced species: beaver management groups are an adaptive process

This is the final version. Available on open access from Wiley via the DOI in this recordIn anthropogenic landscapes, wildlife reintroductions are likely to result in interactions between people and reintroduced species. People living in the vicinity may have little familiarity with the reintroduced species or associated management, so will need to learn to live with the species in a new state of “Renewed Coexistence.” In England, Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) are being reintroduced and U.K. Government agencies are currently considering their national approach to reintroduction and management. Early indications are this will include requirement for “Beaver Management Groups” (BMGs) to engage with local stakeholders. This policy paper reports on qualitative research that captured lessons from the governance of two existing BMGs in Devon (south-west England), drawing on both a prior study and new interview data. Through the analysis, we identified that BMGs are not a fixed structure, but an adaptive process. This consists of three stages (Formation, Functioning, and Future?), influenced by resource availability and national policy direction. We argue that, where they are used, Species-specific Management Groups could provide a “front line” for the integration of reintroduced species into modern landscapes, but their role or remit could be scaled back over time and integrated into existing structures or partnerships to reduce pressure on limited resources, as knowledge of reintroduced species (such as beaver) grows and its presence becomes “normalized.” There must be sufficient flexibility in forthcoming policy to minimize constraint on the adaptive nature of BMGs and similar groups for other reintroduced species, if they are to facilitate a sustainable coexistence.Natural Englan

Perceptions of Eurasian beavers living wild in Wales: Results of an online public survey

This is the final version.The University of Exeter were commissioned by North Wales Wildlife Trust to undertake an online survey of individual public attitudes to beavers living wild in Wales.North Wales Wildlife Trus

Alternative perspectives of the angling community on Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) reintroduction in the River Otter Beaver Trial

This is the final version. Available on open access from Routledge via the DOI in this record. Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) reintroduction is taking place in England with potential benefits for flood alleviation and biodiversity; however there is also opposition. One area of controversy relates to fish and fishing. A previous meta-analysis of research into beaver-fish relationships found perceived benefits of beavers amongst fish and beaver “experts” included increased fish abundance and productivity, whilst perceived negatives included impeded fish passage and reduced spawning habitat availability. We further this understanding using Q-Methodology (a social science technique) to reveal three nuanced and contrasting perspectives that exist amongst the angling community in the catchment of a trial reintroduction. Due to a conflict potential between groups, we suggest management themes to help reduce this where reintroduction occurs: open, cross-sectoral dialogue about research into beaver-fish relationships and management; a management strategy which supports ecosystem benefits whilst providing a sense of empowerment for individuals to respond to negative impacts.University of ExeterDevon Wildlife TrustPlymouth City CouncilCornwall Wildlife Trus

Promoting adaptation to changing coasts - Work Package T.2.4.1: Methodology for Engagement and Involvement of End Users and Key Stakeholders in Coastal Climate Adaptation Schemes. Report 2: Stakeholder Interviews, Resident Workshops, and Model for Engagement in Coastal Adaptation and Landscape Change

This is the final version.Pebblebed Heaths Conservation TrustEuropean Regional Development Fund (ERDF