The Government is approving wild releases of beavers in England in a "critical milestone" for efforts to restore nature.A long-awaited licensing system has been launched for releasing beavers - whose dams, canals and ponds boost wildlife and protect against floods and droughts - into the countryside, with the first reintroduction expected soon.The Government is also setting out support for landowners and farmers who make space for the animals on their land, and committing to developing a long-te

The Government is approving wild releases of beavers in England in a "critical milestone" for efforts to restore nature.A long-awaited licensing system has been launched for releasing beavers - whose dams, canals and ponds boost wildlife and protect against floods and droughts - into the countryside, with the first reintroduction expected soon.The Government is also setting out support for landowners and farmers who make space for the animals on their land, and committing to developing a long-term plan for managing the semi-aquatic animals in the wild.