Beavers have been reintroduced into the wild in England for the first time in over 400 years, in a landmark conservation effort. The licensed release of four beavers in Dorset aims to restore lost biodiversity while balancing environmental and farming concerns.

Beavers will be released into the wild in England after the government approved their reintroduction. The decision follows years of trials and will see beavers make an officially approved return to waterways.

Beavers were hunted to extinction in Britain around 400 years ago but have made their way back to England's rivers, through escapes from enclosures and illegal releases, and were given legal protection in 2022.

It is hoped it marks the firm return of these remarkable engineers into the English landscape from where they were eradicated, driven to extinction in the 17th century, after being hunted for their rich fur, their meat and even their scent glands.

Beavers captured from Scotland have been released into the wild in England for the first time under new rules that were announced last week. They were set free on a river bank in Dorset as part of a plan by conservationists who say that the beavers love of dam building will increase biodiversity.

The National Trust has legally released the first wild Eurasian beavers into the wild. The historic event marks the first time since the 16th century that beavers will roam freely in the area, following a policy announcement by Defra and Natural England.

A beaver makes it's way to the water after a licensed release of beavers at Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve, after the Government approved licences for wild releases of beavers, whose dams, canals and ponds boost wildlife.

The first ever wild beavers have been released in a Dorset nature reserve, more than 400 years after their extinction in Britain. Two pairs of the semi-aquatic animals are making a new home at Little Sea lake in Studland, Purbeck, unrestricted by fences or enclosures.