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,

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.

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.

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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.

Wild beavers are back in England in a big way! That's because Britain's National Trust legally released the first two pairs of Eurasian beavers to live in the wild in England in Purbeck, Dorset. This historic moment follows an announcement by the Department for Rural Affairs (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.