After plans for introducing wolves into our isles, there’s a cuddlier alternative on offer.

400 years after they became extinct in Wales, beavers could make a comeback if conservationists have their way.

Speaking at the annual Welsh Conservation Management Conference in Brecon, wildlife ecologist Derek Gow described the furry rodents as ‘nature’s architect’.

He said there was merit in bringing the creatures back to Wales: “They are incredible at creating huge, vigorous wetland landscapes that are tremendously important for a whole range of smaller species, for example water voles.”

They are also tremendously useful in the introduction of double entendre in post-walk jokes in pubs, along the lines of: “I saw a beautiful sleek beaver when I was skinny dipping in the river, Dafydd.” Derek didn’t actually say that, but grough thought it was high time to inject some smut before anyone else did.

Paul Sinnadurai, senior ecologist with the Brecon Beacons National Park, said the conference had looked at many conservation issues.

He said: “A lot of conservationists themselves are very ambivalent about the idea of the beaver.” Stop tittering at the back! I told you we had to get the Carry On stuff out of the way.

In Scotland, where beavers have already been reintroduced, conservationists say their presence is destructive. There are estimated to be around 100 of the cute beasts in Britain, including half a dozen in Gloucestershire, where two kits – beaver offspring – have been born.

Apparently, in Denmark, beaver watching is a tourist attraction, with hides where visitors can watch the show at dawn and dusk. Any more sniggering and you’ll be seeing the headmaster!

It’s only a talking point at the moment, as is the Scottish wolf, but who knows what unusual sights we might see when in the great outdoors in future.

If you’ve any suggestions for species you’d like to encounter out there, let us know.