England Approves First Wild Beaver Releases in Over 400 Years

The government launches a licensing system for reintroducing beavers to the wild, aiming to restore ecosystems and mitigate flooding and drought risks.

Beavers, extinct in England for over four centuries, will be reintroduced under a new government licensing system starting later this year.
The semi-aquatic animals are recognized as 'ecosystem engineers' whose dams and wetlands support biodiversity, reduce flooding, and store water during droughts.
The first wild release is expected to occur in Purbeck Heaths, a protected nature reserve in Dorset, with other projects requiring 10-year management plans.
Concerns from farmers about potential impacts on crops and infrastructure have led to provisions for managing conflicts, including dam removal and relocation of animals if necessary.
Existing wild beaver populations in areas such as Cornwall and Devon will be allowed to expand naturally, while funding and support are available for landowners to accommodate the species.