In the latest milestone for nature recovery, Natural England has
approved the release of beavers at two projects in South West
England.
It follows the first licensed release of wild Eurasian beavers in
Dorset last year after a landmark government
decision to allow wild beaver release after centuries of
absence from our waterways.
Beavers are prodigious ecosystem engineers and proven climate
champions – creating natural flood defences and building wetlands
which are thriving havens for wildlife. Known as a keystone
species because the habitats they create benefit myriad other
species, they were once abundant in England but became extinct
due to overhunting. In recent years, beavers have been returning
to our waterways through a system of licensed releases into
enclosures, and a limited trial of wild release in Devon.
Chief Executive of Natural England Marian Spain
said:
Reintroducing beavers to South West England is a significant
milestone with the potential to make a huge difference to nature
recovery in the region.
The successful return of beavers depends on well-planned,
collaborative projects built on engagement and trust, and we are
committed to getting it right for both nature and communities.
Nature Minister said:
“Beavers bring extraordinary benefits to our natural landscapes –
they create havens for other wildlife, help reduce the impact of
flood and droughts, and improve water quality in our rivers.
The return of beavers is a vital part of this government's
mission to protect and restore nature. I look forward to these
projects getting going and more future beaver releases.
Environment Agency Deputy Director for Nature Recovery
Jenni Balmer said:
We're excited to back new beaver releases in two south‑west
catchments. Working with Natural England, we've helped shape
these projects to maximise benefits while managing challenges,
especially for flood risk and fisheries. These well‑planned
releases promise big wins for people and nature, and we'll keep
championing them as part of our wider work on wild releases
nationwide.
The return of beavers is being carefully managed to minimise any
potential conflict with farming, food production and
infrastructure. Wild release projects need to demonstrate 10-year
plans to support the introduction of beavers into a landscape
before Natural England will consider granting them a
licence.
Natural England has identified 32 projects with potential to meet
the beaver wild release criteria, and eleven have already
been invited to apply - prioritising well-planned and
well-resourced projects where the benefits outweigh the risks.
This gradual approach allows local communities time to adapt,
building trust and ensuring that beavers become a permanent and
valued part of the landscape.
Notes to editors
- For more information on beaver licenses,
visit: Beavers –
Natural England
- Earlier this week, Natural England launched
the Beaver
Considerations Assessment Toolkit (BCAT), a new mapping
tool developed in collaboration with the Environment Agency.
The toolkit has been designed to help people understand the
potential impacts and suitability of reintroducing beavers to
different watercourses or waterbodies across England, as well
as the potential effects of existing wild populations.
- Defra, supported by Natural England and the Environment
Agency, is also leading a major programme of workshops and
studies to develop a Long Term Management Plan for beavers in
England. This work brings together voices from farming,
fisheries, forestry, water and energy, heritage, public access,
academia, environmental NGOs and more. Independent assessments of
socioeconomic benefits and risks are underway.
