Policy paper
Wild release and management of beavers in England
Defra's approach to the wild release and management of beavers in England.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
Eurasian beavers were once widespread across England, but became nationally extinct due to overhunting. In recent years, they have begun returning to our waterways through a combination of licensed releases, escapes, unlawful wild releases, and natural breeding.
Defra is setting out its approach to the wild release and management of beavers in England, including the support provided to farmers, landowners, and local communities.
This includes:
- licensing the wild release of beavers
- managing existing wild beaver populations
- developing a long-term management plan for beavers