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 Mary Creagh 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.