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In August 2026, as more than half of England experiences a severe drought, researchers have identified a surprising ally in the struggle against extreme weather: the beaver. Once hunted to extinction four centuries ago, these mammals were reintroduced to the British wild in 2015. Today, they are proving to be essential for environmental recovery, particularly during periods of intense heat and water scarcity. Dr. Alan Puttock, a scientist at the University of Exeter, has been studying how beavers create and maintain wetlands. These animals are often referred to as ‘ecosystem engineers’ because of their unique capacity to physically transform their surroundings. By constructing complex networks of dams and canals, beavers slow down the movement of water across the landscape. This process is vital because many modern rural areas have been extensively drained for agricultural purposes, a practice that unfortunately allows water to escape the land too quickly. According to Dr. Puttock, beaver dams function as a natural storage system. They capture water during heavy rainfall and release it gradually into river systems during dry spells. This process builds what scientists describe as ‘resilience,’ allowing the environment to better withstand weather extremes. The physical impact of these animals is significant; a single beaver pond can hold approximately one thousand cubic metres of water. Furthermore, their ‘leaky’ dams can reduce the intensity of river flows by up to thirty percent, which helps to prevent downstream flooding while ensuring water remains available during droughts. Beyond water management, beaver-created wetlands serve as a refuge for various wildlife species and can even act as natural firebreaks, slowing the spread of wildfires. While Dr. Puttock acknowledges that a single beaver colony cannot solve every environmental challenge, he believes that as they expand their territory, they will make the country significantly less prone to climate-related disasters. By combining beaver activity with other nature-based solutions, society can develop a landscape that is far better prepared for the future. Reintroducing these historical inhabitants is not just about conservation; it is a practical strategy for protecting our modern world.

1. What is the main purpose of the article?

• A.To explain the history of beaver hunting in Britain.
• B.To describe how beavers help manage environmental challenges.
• C.To argue against modern agricultural drainage techniques.
• D.To provide instructions on how to build natural dams.

2. According to the text, why is the current movement of water a problem in many landscapes?

• A.Too much water is being stored in underground tanks.
• B.Rivers are flowing too slowly to reach modern farms.
• C.Drainage for farming causes water to leave the land too fast.
• D.Heavy rain causes beaver dams to break too easily.

3. What can be inferred about the ‘leaky’ dams mentioned in the text?

• A.They are poorly built and require constant human repair.
• B.They are more effective than modern concrete structures.
• C.They allow some water through while controlling the overall flow.
• D.They are the primary cause of downstream flooding during storms.

4. Which of the following best describes Dr. Puttock’s attitude towards beavers?

• A.He is certain they are the only solution to climate change.
• B.He sees them as a helpful part of a wider environmental strategy.
• C.He is concerned they will interfere with agricultural production.
• D.He believes their impact is too small to be measured accurately.

5. In the third paragraph, what does the word ‘resilience’ suggest?

• A.The speed at which beavers can build new dams.
• B.The strength of the materials beavers use for construction.
• C.The ability of the environment to handle extreme weather.
• D.The maximum amount of water a single pond can hold.