England Approves First Wild Beaver Releases in Centuries

The government aims to combat flooding, enhance biodiversity, and restore ecosystems with carefully managed beaver reintroductions.

Beavers, extinct in England for over 400 years, will be reintroduced into the wild under a new licensing system approved by the government.
The semi-aquatic mammals are celebrated as 'ecosystem engineers' for their ability to create habitats, reduce flooding risks, and store water during droughts.
The first wild release is expected at Purbeck Heaths, a protected nature reserve, with other projects requiring 10-year management plans.
Farmers and landowners have expressed concerns about potential flooding and crop damage, prompting the inclusion of measures like dam removal or, as a last resort, lethal control.
Existing wild beaver populations in areas like Devon, Cornwall, and Kent will be allowed to expand naturally under proactive management.