... as beavers protected by law

BEAVERS are to be given legal protec- tion, making it an offence to kill, harm or disturb them.

Under new laws, the animals will be formally recognised as a native species in England, 400 years after they were hunted to extinction for their fur and meat.

They have since reappeared due to illegal releases and official reintroduction in enclosures, and up to 800 are now thought to be living wild on our rivers.

The legislation, which was announced by the Government yesterday and will come into force on October 1, also makes it illegal to damage beavers’ breeding sites. It follows a similar move in Scotland in 2019, where offenders face up to two years in jail.

Conservationists welcomed the move. Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, said: ‘The widespread return of wild beavers can be a game changer for restoring lost wetlands, benefiting all kinds of wildlife, and also people by reducing the risk of flooding.’