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After years of uncertainty, England’s first wild breeding population of beavers for 400 years has been given the permanent right to remain in their East Devon river home.

• Defra announces ‘pioneering’ wildlife decision
• Secures a future for the first ever reintroduction of an extinct native mammal to England
• Stamp of approval for five years’ of ground-breaking work by Devon Wildlife Trust

The decision announced today by Defra is a landmark one, as it signals the first legally sanctioned reintroduction of an extinct native mammal to England. It means that the beaver population, which lives on the River Otter and is estimated to consist of up to 15 family groups, now has a secure future.

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