Compensate farmers for ‘high-risk’ species reintroductions, MPs say

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Government should compensate farmers or land managers when “high-risk” species are introduced that could damage land or livelihoods, a House of Commons committee has said. The protected status of beavers should be reviewed – and there should be much wider and more transparent consultation on any other potentially risky species reintroductions Sir Robert Goodwill, committee chair It said the current system is “overly bureaucratic” when it comes to reintroducing low-risk species including plants, fungi and insects and that there should be a long-term vision for the species the Government supports and justification for the ones it does not. A Defra spokesperson said: “We will carefully consider this report’s recommendations into species reintroductions and will respond to the committee in due course.” National Farmers’ Union deputy president Tom Bradshaw said it was “reassuring” to see the committee’s report reflecting concerns about the “significant impact” reintroductions could have. “We look forward to working alongside them to ensure responsible decisions about species reintroductions are taken and incorporate the farming communities’ views.” Last year the Government committed to restoring 30% of nature by 2030 and the committee said species reintroductions can help achieve this as well as benefiting local communities through improving the environment, encouraging tourism and restoring ecosystems.