DEFRA HAS ANNOUNCED NEW legislation that will provide legal protections for beavers in England. Conservation organisations hope it will pave the way for the animals to be released into the wild under licence.
So far, there have only been two trial releases into the wild in the River Otter catchment, Devon, and in Knapdale, Scotland.
The legislation will make it an offence to deliberately capture, kill, disturb, or injure beavers, or damage their breeding sites or resting places – without holding the appropriate licence.
“We’re delighted to see the government give beavers the vital protections they deserve,” says Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts.
Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper, says, “We are working closely with landowners, environmentalists and other stakeholders to develop practical guidance to ensure these…