NATURAL England has approved the release of beavers at two projects in the South West.

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’.

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.