Beavers are set to make a long-awaited return to rivers in South West England, with Natural England approving two new wild release projects due to begin in the coming weeks.
The decision marks another major step in England’s nature recovery efforts and follows last year’s first licensed wild release of Eurasian beavers in Dorset. That release came after a landmark government move to allow beavers back into the wild for the first time in centuries, ending their long absence from English waterways.
Once common across the country, beavers were hunted to extinction hundreds of years ago. Today, they are increasingly recognised as one of nature’s most effective problem-solvers. By building dams and wetlands, beavers help slow water flow, reduce flooding, improve water quality and create rich habitats that support birds, fish, insects and plants. Their ability to reshape landscapes has earned them the title of a “keystone species”.
Until recently, most reintroductions in England were limited to enclosed sites, alongside a small wild release trial in Devon. The newly approved projects in the South West signal growing confidence that beavers can be successfully re-established in open landscapes, provided releases are carefully planned and managed.
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”.
To address concerns from farmers, landowners and local residents, wild beaver releases are subject to strict conditions. Projects must demonstrate detailed 10-year management plans showing how potential conflicts with agriculture, food production and infrastructure will be handled before a licence is granted.
Natural England has already identified 32 potential sites across the country that could meet the criteria for wild release. Of these, 11 projects have been invited to apply, with priority given to schemes that are well resourced and where the environmental benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Officials say the cautious, phased approach is designed to give communities time to adapt and build trust—ensuring that beavers are not just reintroduced, but become a permanent and valued part of England’s landscapes once again. Photo by Becky Matsubara from El Sobrante, California, Wikimedia commons.