From fences to freedom: England’s continuing beaver journey

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Licensing, Natural England, Nature, Nature-based solutions, Species re-introductions

By Stuart Otway, Principal Officer in Natural England’s Complex Cases Team and Delphine Pouget, Principal Officer in Natural England’s Species Recovery & Reintroductions Team In February 2025 Defra published its landmark policy on the wild release and management of beavers …

Beaver wild release: a milestone for nature recovery in England

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Climate change, Flood Management, Licensing, Natural England, Nature Recovery, Nature-based solutions, Wildlife
Beaver entering the water. Credit: Maria Thompson, Natural England

By Stuart Otway, Principal Officer in Natural England’s Complex Cases Unit and Delphine Pouget, Principal Officer in Natural England’s Species Recovery & Reintroductions Team  After centuries of absence, beavers are beginning to reclaim their rightful place in the English landscape. …

Beavers are now legally protected in England – the licensing regime explained

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Biodiversity, Licensing, Natural England, Protected sites and species, Species re-introductions
Beaver wetlands slow, store and filter water helping to reduce downstream flooding, improve water quality, increase biodiversity, and resilience to drought and adaptation to climate change. Photo credit: Giles Wagstaff, Natural England

By Stephanie Bird-Halton - Director of National Delivery Protection of beavers and why it’s important On 1 October 2022 the legislation changed to protect wild-living beavers in England. Beavers are now listed in Schedule 2 of the Conservation of Habitats …