Two pairs of beavers released in Cornwall by wildlife trust

Two pairs of beavers were released at a Cornwall Wildlife Trust nature reserve in mid‑Cornwall in the county's first fully‑licensed release after three years of planning and consultation.

Two pairs of beavers have been released at a Cornwall Wildlife Trust nature reserve in mid‑Cornwall. The trust said this is the county's first fully‑licensed beaver release. Natural England had previously issued licences for releases at a National Trust site in Exmoor and for a Cornwall site chosen by the trust. The release follows three years of planning and consultation before the government's decision to allow wild releases in England. Key facts: - The beavers were released at a trust reserve within the Par and Fowey river catchment in mid‑Cornwall. - Cornwall Wildlife Trust described the release as a "landmark moment" for nature recovering in Cornwall and nationally. - Natural England had issued licences for beaver releases at a National Trust site in Exmoor, Somerset, and an unspecified Cornwall site chosen by CWT. - Beavers had been extinct in the wild in England for more than 400 years due to hunting for pelts, meat and glands. - The trust said beavers are recognised as a keystone species and highlighted potential benefits such as cleaner water, support against drought and flooding, and increased wildlife. Summary: The trust said the reintroduction could influence local waterways and help with nature recovery both locally and nationally. Cornwall Wildlife Trust has said it will monitor the beaver pairs and support landowners and farmers as activity is observed and understood.