Home / Environment / Dorset's Rivers Could Soon Welcome Back Wild Beavers
Dorset's Rivers Could Soon Welcome Back Wild Beavers
13 Apr
Summary
- Up to 50 wild beavers may be released into Dorset rivers.
- A public consultation runs until May 31 for the reintroduction project.
- Beavers were reintroduced to England in March 2025 after extinction.
Dorset Wildlife Trust has submitted an expression of interest to Natural England to release up to 50 wild beavers into the River Hooke and River Frome catchment in Dorset. The proposal suggests a phased reintroduction over several years, with beavers released at approximately 10 suitable sites.
This initiative aligns with the government's recent decision to permit the return of wild beaver populations to England's waterways. The first wild beavers were released in March 2025, marking their return over 400 years after extinction. A scientific study in February 2021 had already introduced an adult pair into an enclosed west Dorset site.
Recognised as a resident native species in October 2022, wild beavers are now being licensed for wider release by Natural England, moving away from solely enclosed projects. The trust emphasizes the vital importance of creating a genetically robust and adaptable population to face climate change and disease.
A public consultation period, running until May 31, has been launched to gather public input for this influential species' reintroduction. This collaborative planning aims to maximize environmental benefits while minimizing potential negative impacts.
