Beavers released into wild on Somerset National Trust land

Two groups of Eurasian beavers were released on the National Trust's Holnicote Estate on Exmoor, the first time they can roam freely on the site; Natural England said the release forms part of broader rewilding plans for Exmoor.

Two groups of Eurasian beavers were released on the National Trust-run Holnicote Estate on Exmoor on Tuesday. This is the first time beavers released there will be free to roam; earlier reintroductions at the site were held inside enclosures. The move follows government decisions to reintroduce beavers to the wild in England and comes under the second set of licences issued for such releases. The National Trust and Natural England describe the effort as part of broader rewilding ambitions on Exmoor. Key details: - Two groups of Eurasian beavers were released at Holnicote Estate and more are expected to be released over the coming days. - The release is covered by the second licences issued since England began allowing wild beaver reintroductions. - National Trust project manager Ben Eardley said beavers can slow water flow, create and hold wetland habitats, reduce erosion and improve water quality. - Natural England chief executive Marian Spain said the release is part of wider plans on Exmoor that include reintroducing white-tailed eagles and pine martens. - It is estimated that about 500 beavers are now living in England in a mix of wild populations and enclosures; beavers were given legal protection in 2022. - Farmer Robin Milton said he was "quite relaxed" about the release but voiced concerns about long-term management and asked for clearer, broader policy rather than a piecemeal approach. Summary: Authorities and the National Trust say the beaver releases aim to restore wetland habitats and can influence local water flows, while stressing the animals are not a quick fix for flooding. Local farmers and officials have raised questions about long-term management and the broader strategy for reintroducing species. More beavers are due to be released in the coming days, and the programme is described as part of wider rewilding plans on Exmoor.