Beavers to be released into the wild under 'cautious' government plans
They were reintroduced in the River Otter in Devon as part of trial which proved successful
Beavers will be released into the wild under Government proposals to support a "cautious" return of the semi-aquatic mammals to English rivers.
The native animals are also set to be given legal protection in England, making it an offence to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or injure them, or damage their breeding sites or resting places, as part of efforts to support their recovery.
Under plans being put out for consultation, applications for licences to release beavers into the wild would need to meet certain criteria, including local buy-in and ensuring support for landowners and river users is in place.
Beavers are seen as nature engineers who restore wetland habitats through dam-building and felling trees, slowing, storing and filtering water in the landscape, which attracts other wildlife and reduces flooding downstream.
The species was hunted to extinction in Britain in the 16th century for their fur, glands and meat.
They have already made something of a return to England, and are found wild on the River Otter in Devon, the site of a successful official trial reintroduction, as well as on other rivers due to illegal releases or escapes.
The Environment Department (Defra) is launching a 12-week consultation on Wednesday on further reintroductions into the wild and management of existing wild populations in England, which Environment Secretary George Eustice said would take a cautious approach.
Mr Eustice said:
"We are committed to providing opportunities to reintroduce formerly native species, such as beavers, where the benefits for the environment, people and the economy are clear.
"Today marks a significant milestone for the reintroduction of beavers in the wild, with the launch of the Government's consultation on our national approach and management of beavers in England.
"But we also understand that there are implications for landowners, so we are taking a cautious approach to ensure that all potential impacts are carefully considered."
Government conservation agency Natural England will play a key role in licensing releases and managing beavers.
Its chairman Tony Juniper said the launch of the consultation "marks an important and positive moment for the future of these wonderful animals in England", as he encouraged everyone to respond to help shape the future of wild beavers in a way that reflected as many perspectives as possible.
Rob Stoneman, from The Wildlife Trusts said:
"There's an impressive body of evidence to show how beavers can help to improve the quality of rivers and wetlands and the wildlife they support, improve water quality, and reduce flood risk, as well as contributing to carbon storage.
"Beavers are fabulous - they can do all of this free of charge."
But he said: "Beavers are wild animals - and as their populations expand their activities will need managing," adding the trusts would continue to play a pivotal role in the return of beavers in a responsible manner.
Richard Bramley, chairman of the National Farmers' Union environment forum, said:
"It is positive that any reintroduction will be strictly licensed by Natural England and it is important any approved licensing includes a long-term management plan, developed with local farmers and backed with adequate funding.
"Any impact on a farmer's ability to produce food needs to be included as part of a full impact assessment carried out before any licence is issued."
He warned that beaver reintroductions could have negative impacts such as damaging trees and impeding farmland drainage, and said adequate compensation must be paid if there are financial impacts on farmers, and an exit strategy must be in place should major issues occur.