Beavers are set to make a comeback in England, with two new sites approved for their release as part of a groundbreaking rewilding initiative. Natural England has given the green light to introduce wild beavers at the National Trust's Holnicote Estate on Exmoor and a Cornwall Wildlife Trust site in the heart of the county. This marks only the second and third times beavers have been licensed for release since the government's landmark decision to allow their return to English rivers. The animals' natural habitat-altering abilities, including building dams, ponds, and channels, are expected to create new habitats for other species while also reducing flooding and mitigating drought. The first licensed release took place at Purbeck's national nature reserve in Dorset in March 2025, a significant step forward in conservation efforts. Beavers were once native to Britain but were hunted to extinction over 400 years ago for their fur, meat, and scent glands. However, they have gradually returned through escapes and unauthorized releases in recent decades. In 2022, Parliament granted beavers legal protection, recognizing their established presence in the wild. Conservation organizations have also introduced beavers to fenced wetlands and river projects across England, with the government's decision to permit reintroductions seen as a major victory for biodiversity. Nature minister Mary Creagh emphasized the importance of this program in the government's environmental agenda, while Natural England's chief executive, Marian Spain, stressed the need for careful management to ensure the successful return of beavers and the well-being of both nature and communities. Ben McCarthy, from the National Trust, hailed the license as a significant milestone, highlighting beavers' ability to create wetlands that support wildlife and improve water quality. However, Natural England has implemented strict management plans to limit impacts on farming and infrastructure, requiring applicants to submit 10-year management plans. The agency has identified 32 potential projects, with 11 already invited to apply. Conservationists like Vicki Hird from the Wildlife Trusts warn that continued support for coexistence with beavers through farming subsidy schemes is crucial to ensure the recovery of nature and the provision of ecosystem services.
