Charity plans to release wild beavers into rivers
GettyUp to 50 wild beavers could be released into Dorset rivers under plans announced by a nature conservation charity.
Dorset Wildlife Trust has submitted an expression of interest to Natural England for the proposed project in the River Hooke and wider River Frome catchment.
The trust said a phased approach was preferable, with the semi-aquatic mammals released at about 10 suitable sites over several years.
In March 2025, the first ever wild beavers were released in a nature reserve in Purbeck, more than 400 years after their extinction in Britain.
The reintroduction came after the government's decision to allow wild populations return to England's rivers and wetlands.
Dorset Wildlife Trust introduced an adult pair of beavers into an enclosed site in west Dorset in February 2021, as part of a scientific study.
In October 2022, the animals were recognised as a resident native species in England once again.
Natural England is now moving away from enclosed projects and is issuing licenses for wild beaver release.
The trust said "help is needed" to restore beaver populations, adding that a key part of their reintroduction was the "vital importance of creating a genetically viable population that is robust and adaptable to climate change and disease".
A public consultation on the trust's proposal has been opened and will run until 31 May.
It said the consultation was "essential to ensure that reintroducing such an influential species is done responsibly".
The trust added: "It's an opportunity for all to feed into this potential reintroduction project, facilitating collaborative planning and helping to maximise the significant environmental benefits, whilst minimising any negative impacts of any future project."
Following the consultation, a full application will be submitted, which must be approved by Natural England before a wild release beaver licence is granted.
