BC5: Expert dam management
Find out about eligibility requirements for beaver protection infrastructure item
How much will be paid
Up to 90% of actual cost.
Where to use this item
There must be evidence of beaver activity within the catchment area to be protected. See the Protection and Infrastructure applicant’s guide for a list of catchment areas.
You must get written permission from Natural England to:
- conserve wild animals or wild plants
- preserve public health or public safety
- prevent the spread of disease
- prevent serious damage to either livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops or horticultural crops
- prevent significant damage to agricultural property, fisheries or infrastructure including flood relief assets
The item can be used
- to manage an existing beaver dam where there is a serious risk of damage, including flooding. The work can be one-off or on-going activities to reduce the risk
- to remove the dam, when a licenced beaver manager confirms it is the only option to reduce the risk of serious flooding.
The item cannot be used
- without the advice of a beaver manager who holds a CL50 licence
- more than once on the same location on the riverbank
The licenced beaver manager will draw up a plan which includes advice on the ongoing management of the dam site.
If a dam is removed under BC5, you should monitor the site and follow the advice on how to manage beavers.
How this item will benefit the environment
The actions will reduce the risk of serious damage, and the beavers will be able to remain in the catchment area.
Requirements
You must:
Agree a management plan for the dam with a licenced beaver manager. The plan will include advice on how to manage the dam to reduce the risk of serious flooding. In exceptional circumstances dam removal may needed. The licenced beaver manager must carry out the capital dam removal work as set out in the approved management plan, and within the agreed time.
Get two quotes for the completion of the work if possible. We will accept one quote only where there is justification. Natural England must approve the quote used for the works.
Check if you need a permit from the appropriate Flood and coastal erosion: risk management authorities, to work in or close to, a watercourse or risk management structure.
You must protect and not disturb fish spawning grounds when carrying out works. More guidance is available on permissions you may need to do work in or around a watercourse.
You must not:
Carry out any works without the agreement of Natural England.
Keeping records
You must send the following with your application:
- at least one quote for completion of the work and provision of advice
- a map showing the location of the dam
- a photograph of the beaver dam
- any consents or permissions associated with the works
Agreement holders must keep the following records and supply them with the claim:
- a photograph of the river area to show the improvement or dam removal works
Agreement holders must keep the following records and supply them on request:
- a copy of the advice and/or management plan
- receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is not available
Please read the record keeping and inspection requirements in the Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.
Once a dam has been removed the beaver could construct a new dam in the same location. You may find it helpful to read about how to manage the dam and to find out what activities can be done without a licence at Beavers: how to manage them and when you need a licence.
More information on the legal protection for Eurasian beavers can be found at Protection and management of beavers in England. You must follow the 5-step approach to beaver management before applying, and only apply for this item if step 5 has been reached, and there is still a risk of serious flooding.
If dam management work is needed during the beaver breeding season from 1 March to 31 August, you will need a licenced site registration form. This can be completed by the licenced manager and may be requested by Natural England as part of the application process.
You can contact Natural England to find out more information about Beaver management groups and how to contact a licenced Beaver manager.
Call Natural England’s enquiry line if you have questions about beaver activity on your land. They will direct you to the most appropriate advice.
Phone: 0300 060 3900
Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk