This is a step forward for the charismatic rodents, which were hunted to extinction in the country 400 years ago but have made a resurgence due to illegal releases across the country. The government has also licensed caged beaver releases and some environmentalists hope that later this year in the upcoming beaver strategy there will be permits for the rodents to be released to roam wild. There are already believed to be hundreds of beavers living wild along England’s waterways, with some experts believing there could be as many as 800. The new legislation, which is due to come into force on October 1, will make it an offense to deliberately capture, kill, disturb or injure beavers or destroy their breeding or resting grounds – without the proper licence. Animals are known as “nature’s engineers” as they create wetlands – important habitat for many plants and animals – when they build dams. In this way, they also prevent problems related to floods and droughts, such as fires, by conserving water on the land. Derek Gow, a farmer-turned-farmer who is known as one of the country’s leading beaver experts, said: “Today’s news that beavers will have legal protection in England is both appropriate and welcome. “We have been slow to recognize the critical role this species plays in creating complex wetlands that can afford resilience to the twin extremes of flooding and drought. All they need from us to guarantee this goal is understanding, tolerance and space.” There was confusion this week as plans were due to be announced earlier but appeared to be pulled at the last minute. Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, said at the time: “Clarity on legal protections for beavers is vital for populations to recover and thrive in the long term – it is extremely disappointing that this legislation has been suspended, with no explanation why. Subscribe to First Edition, our free daily newsletter – every morning at 7am. BST “We need to see the widespread return of wild beavers to create vital wetlands and restore rivers, many of which have been damaged by centuries of dredging and cut off by flood plains. As England grapples with a nature and climate emergency, we need our beavers back.” However, sources at Defra blamed the rush to get the legislation out before the moratorium break, and said they had always planned to enshrine these protections in law, as they are a legal requirement under the Berne Convention.
