Uploaded February 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Today sees a landmark in beaver history for England and a significant step toward helping to address some of the key environmental challenges we face.
This morning, the UK Government announced that beaver releases into the wild are to be allowed in England for the first time in centuries.
In order to realise the societal benefits of beavers we need them to be released in greater numbers, so we hope today’s news sees a shift toward widespread population expansion. It’s time to normalise this native species.
We’re currently reviewing the details of the government’s announcement and how it performs against a series of key “tests” of things we’re looking for in the policy which we set out in our initial response below.
Our vision is for thriving waterways vibrant with life, where beavers are embraced as a vital part of our biodiverse landscape. As England grapples with increasing extreme weather and biodiversity loss, the return of beavers offers an opportunity for nature recovery and climate resilience.
Read our initial response to the announcement 👇
beavertrust.org/beaver-trust-response-to-uk-governments-statement-on-wild-release-licensing-in-england
The Government announcement
gov.uk/government/publications/wild-release-and-management-of-beavers-in-england
Drone footage: Alan Puttock, University of Exeter
Today sees a landmark in beaver history for England and a significant step toward helping to address some of the key environmental challenges we face.
This morning, the UK Government announced that beaver releases into the wild are to be allowed in England for the first time in centuries.
In order to realise the societal benefits of beavers we need them to be released in greater numbers, so we hope today’s news sees a shift toward widespread population expansion. It’s time to normalise this native species.
We’re currently reviewing the details of the government’s announcement and how it performs against a series of key “tests” of things we’re looking for in the policy which we set out in our initial response below.
Our vision is for thriving waterways vibrant with life, where beavers are embraced as a vital part of our biodiverse landscape. As England grapples with increasing extreme weather and biodiversity loss, the return of beavers offers an opportunity for nature recovery and climate resilience.
Read our initial response to the announcement 👇
beavertrust.org/beaver-trust-response-to-uk-governments-statement-on-wild-release-licensing-in-england
The Government announcement
gov.uk/government/publications/wild-release-and-management-of-beavers-in-england
Drone footage: Alan Puttock, University of Exeter
