House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Species Reintroductions
03 March 2025 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Mary Creagh Lab Coventry East
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The Government is setting out its approach to the wild release of beavers through Natural England's assessment of licence applications.
- The first expression of interest window opens on March 1, 2025, with criteria designed to ensure high-benefit projects are licensed.
- Support measures and management plans are being put in place for the reintroduction of beavers.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the wild release and management of beavers in England, outlining a licensing scheme for reintroductions and providing support mechanisms.
Action requested
The Government is setting out its approach to the wild release of beavers through Natural England's assessment of licence applications. The first expression of interest window opens on March 1, 2025, with criteria designed to ensure high-benefit projects are licensed. Support measures and management plans are also being put in place.
Key facts
- Beavers were once widespread across England but became extinct due to overhunting.
- The National Trust received a licence to release beavers into the wild as part of their Purbeck Beaver Project on 10 February 2025.
- A licensing scheme requires applications against comprehensive criteria, and only high-benefit projects will be licenced.
- The first expression of interest window opens from 1 March 2025 and closes on 2 May 2025.