Policy paper

Wild release and management of beavers in England

Defra's approach to the wild release and management of beavers in England.

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Natural England
• Published: 28 February 2025

This was published under the 2024 to 2026 Starmer Labour government

Applies to England

Documents

Wild release and management of beavers in England

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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

Published 28 February 2025