Beavers promote biodiversity

Near Ferenbalm, on the western border of the canton of Bern, a formerly intensively farmed arable area is set to become a diverse wetland once again. Following the completion of construction work to prepare the future floodplain area, it will now be handed over to the local beaver family to transform into a species-rich habitat.

This form of rewilding is a uniquely innovative approach in Switzerland. Pro Natura is allowing beavers to reshape three hectares of former arable land on a site acquired in 2012.

A unique approach

Countless amphibians and dragonflies have been thriving in the dammed ditches and beaver ponds. A rich food source is emerging, which is also attracting kingfishers and grey herons. Pro Natura recently presented the project to the media after excavators prepared the former arable land.

A head start for the beaver — master landscape architect

No other animal species is capable of creating such diverse habitats and structures as the beaver. On roughly half of the project area, the beaver is therefore intended to be the primary landscape designer and builder. Several hundred newly planted willows are meant to attract the rodents to the site.

Bullheads and trout can migrate freely once again

As part of the structural enhancement of the project area, the Bibere stream was also made passable again by replacing the weir with a fish pass. The project, realised by Pro Natura in collaboration with the municipality of Ferenbalm, the federal government, and the cantons of Bern and Fribourg, has a total cost of 1.7 million francs. More on biodiversity.