Following the overwhelmingly successful return of beavers to the British Isles which has been widely celebrated by the public, efforts are now being organised to bring back another lost species, one that has been absent for over three millennia.

The European elk (Alces alces), the same species as the moose of North America, could be seeing a return following a groundbreaking grant offered by Rewilding Britain to the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trusts.

These hefty woodland foragers and wetland grazers are a lost keystone species that can weigh up to 1200 pounds. Their return and proliferation would stand as a measure of restoration for these two long-plighted British habitats where they would serve, similarly to beavers and bison, as ecosystem engineers.

The project aims to reintroduce elk alongside beavers to share habitats, a poignant reuniting of both persecuted species.

“This exciting project could demonstrate how this crucial ecosystem engineer can thrive in floodplain landscapes, shaping diverse habitats that benefit communities and support biodiversity recovery. It may also serve as a catalyst for engaging people in the long-term benefits of returning elk to the wild.” Said Rachel Bennett, Deputy Director of Wilder Landscapes and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

The first phase involves housing elk within controlled environments due to legal restraints and their listing under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act of 1976, a piece of legislation that many conservationists argue is outdated as it was passed to serve a widespread popularity for exotic animals in that era. This policy has frustrated many other reintroduction projects for more native and ecosystem-friendly species such as lynx and wild boar.

While the British government currently has no immediate plans for additional wild releases beyond beavers, the success of the elk project could pave the way for future reintroductions of other native species. Public engagement and support will be crucial in shaping the future of Britain’s continued rewilding efforts.