Two pairs of beavers have been legally released into the wild in a “landmark event” for nature conservation.
For the first time since the 16th century, these “nature engineers” will be able to roam freely across Purbeck, in Dorset.
Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England said: “This is an historic moment for nature in England. Beavers disappeared from our landscapes centuries ago and this release is the beginning of a new chance for these animals to thrive in the wild again.
“Beavers are much loved creatures which offer huge benefits for our landscapes, from creating wetland habitats to natural flood management.”
The beavers, released on Wednesday, will play a crucial role in ecosystem restoration after being hunted to extinction on mainland Britain for their fur, meat and scent glands.
Beavers being released into wild for the first time (Image: PA)
It follows a groundbreaking policy announcement by the Government and Natural England last Friday. Which gave the green light for the wild beaver releases.
Gen Crisford, Purbeck’s beaver project officer at the National Trust, said: “As a true believer in beavers, today is incredibly exciting, a real watershed moment in the history of the species in England.
“Our chosen site at Little Sea is highly suitable for these special creatures due to it being an expansive body of fresh water surrounded by dense willow woodland which will provide the beavers with plenty of food.
“As the lake is already deep enough, they won’t need to build dams initially, but by creating glades within the willow woodland, new areas of open wetlands will form to benefit many of the reserve’s rare species including water voles, keeled skimmer dragonflies and tiny ‘bladderwort’ carnivorous plants.
“Little Sea is at the heart of the 3,400 ha Purbeck Heaths Super National Nature Reserve making it an ideal landscape for the beavers to spread so that people can learn to co-exist with the mammals again.”
Ms Crisford said that beavers can sometimes cause conflict when they colonise areas where they aren’t wanted.
But the National Trust has worked with local landowners in advance to plan for their arrival and put measures in place where needed.
Beavers have already made their way back to England’s rivers, through escapes from enclosures and illegal releases, and were given legal protection in 2022.
They have also been introduced to a large number of fenced wetland and river sites.