How Jamie Oliver's neighbours are using beavers to tackle flooding

Beavers are said to be ‘agents of change’ when it comes to flood defences and climate change. There is a compelling case to introduce them into Ireland, writes Neil Michael

One of the beavers on the Spains Hall Estate's natural flood management scheme. Picture: Simon Hurwitz

If you have ever heard of Spains Hall, it is probably because it's the name of the sprawling £6m Elizabethan country house Jamie Oliver lives in.

Pictures of the celebrity chef’s country retreat have appeared on his Instagram account and paint an enviable picture of rural idyll.