An initial two pairs of beavers have been released at a Trust nature reserve in mid-Cornwall, within the Par and Fowey river catchment, following three years of planning and consultation preceding the government’s decision to allow wild releases in England.  

Once widespread across Britain, beavers were hunted to extinction 400 years ago. Today, they are increasingly recognised as one of nature’s most important keystone species, animals whose presence shapes entire ecosystems. Their return comes at a vital time, with one in six species now at risk of being lost from Great Britain*.  

Through their natural behaviour, beavers create wetlands and play a vital role in restoring healthy river systems. Their activity slows the flow of water, helping to reduce flooding during periods of heavy rain, while also storing water in the landscape during drier months and increasing drought resilience. These wetlands filter pollutants and sediments, improving water quality, and support a greater diversity of wildlife, strengthening the overall resilience of the landscape to climate change. 

The approval of this licence and the successful release mark a significant milestone for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, which has spent more than a decade working towards the return of beavers to Cornish rivers. The wild beaver releases have been made possible thanks to the support of Cornish business St Eval, generous donors and members, and those who have contributed to the Trust’s Wild Beaver Appeal. 

Lauren Jasper, Beaver Officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, says: 

We are delighted to have released beavers back into the Cornish landscape. Today is a huge win for nature! 

“We have worked closely with Natural England over the past year and are thrilled with their conclusion that the natural habitat is suitable for beavers and the project team are ready to lead on this beaver reintroduction project. 

“We are celebrating today, but the real work starts now as we get ready to monitor the activity of the beaver pairs and support landowners and farmers whilst we all learn to live alongside beavers once again.” 

Cheryl Marriott, Director of Nature and People at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, says:  

“Evidence of the positive impact that beavers have is stacking up. Cleaner water, protection from drought and flooding and more abundant wildlife - there is a lot to like about these animals. No doubt there will be some challenges as we get used to having them back, but they will provide a lifeline for some of our most threatened species if we give them the chance.” 

Matt Walpole, Chief Executive Officer, Cornwall Wildlife Trust 

“Today’s release is a landmark for conservation in Cornwall and a testament to over a decade of dedication from our team, supporters and partners. Beavers don’t just belong here — they have the potential to transform how our catchments function and how we work with nature to tackle some of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. We’re grateful to every organisation and individual who has helped make this possible.” 

Why this matters: 

There is growing evidence to show what beavers can do for nature recovery, and how quickly they can do it. Demonstrated beaver activity includes: 

• Tripling the diversity of pond and water plants
• Increasing frogspawn abundance by over 6000%
• Boosting bird species and abundance up to 100m from beaver sites
• Increasing bat activity by almost 400%
• Raising moth species diversity by 24%
• Increasing dragonfly species sevenfold 

Releasing beavers into the wider landscape increases genetic diversity and helps secure the long-term future of a healthy beaver population in Cornwall. More beaver territories also mean more natural benefits and increased climate resilience, at a time when the impacts of climate change are already being felt in the county and are only predicted to increase. 

This release is a bold step towards the Cornwall Wildlife Trust vision of a Cornwall where nature thrives, and a huge part of national efforts to restore nature at scale.  

*State of nature report 2023