Beaver reintroduction in the UK
Beaver reintroduction in the UK
We're working with other organisations to see Eurasian beavers re-established across their former range in Britain. We endorse their reintroduction through well planned and licensed releases.
The return of the beaver
The Eurasian beaver is native to Britain and used to be widespread in England, Wales and Scotland, but was never known from Ireland.
They became extinct in the 16th century, mainly because of hunting for their fur, meat and 'castoreum', a secretion used in perfumes, food and medicine.
The RSPB support the re-establishment of beavers where they used to live in Britain. The beaver is known as a 'keystone species' because of its significant positive influence on its environment. We endorse their reintroduction through well-planned and licensed releases. We do not endorse the unlicensed translocation of beavers. We’re currently working with other organisations to develop our technical expertise and assess the suitability of various river systems to support beavers.