Beavers are remarkable ecosystem engineers whose natural behaviours have enormous potential to improve and enhance river health. By constructing dams in small, shallow streams and creating wetlands, they help regulate water flows, improve water quality, and reduce the risk of flooding.  

Their ability to create and restore diverse wetland habitats has a positive influence on the local environment, enhances local biodiversity and supports a wide range of plant and animal species.  

Beyond their impact on wildlife, beavers also offer a natural solution to climate challenges. The wetlands they create act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide, whilst also helping to mitigate the impacts of droughts and floods by stabilising water levels in watercourses.  

Jamie Marsh, Director of Nature Recovery, Wilder Wight, Solent and Seas at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “This is a monumental day for wildlife and rivers in England. Beavers are a keystone species whose return to our landscapes will have lasting positive impacts on our ecosystems. They are part of the solution to improving river quality and wetland habitats for the benefit of both people and wildlife.” 

The Trust has long recognised the Eastern Yar on the Isle of Wight as a prime location for the wild release of beavers. Artificial straightening of the river, dredging and pollution from sewage discharge plus agricultural runoff has impaired the river’s ability to support diverse wildlife and manage flood risks. As a result, support for nature’s recovery in the Eastern Yar is needed now more than ever. 

Beavers can help restore this vital habitat by naturally slowing water flow and creating diverse wetland environments, which support a wide range of plant and animal species. Their dam-building activity can reconnect the river with its floodplain, helping to slow and store water, reducing the risk of downstream flooding.  Furthermore, the wetlands they create filter pollutants and improve the clarity and health of the water, addressing both water quality and flood management issues. 

Nicola Wheeler, Senior Beaver Recovery Project Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “The journey to this point has been years in the making. We’ve carried out extensive engagement with the public, invested in meaningful discussions with stakeholders and communities, and dedicated time to raising awareness and education around wild beavers and their benefits. At the same time, we have rigorously assessed the landscape’s suitability to ensure the East Yar Catchment is a viable location for the wild release of these incredible ecosystem engineers. It has been a long-term, well-considered project, and with this announcement, we welcome the opportunity to advance it even further. 

“Now that we’ve received the green light, we will be increasing our engagement and advancing conversations on coexistence with stakeholders and communities on the Isle of Wight. This builds on five years of extensive data collection, analysis, surveys, education, and consultation, all of which have shaped our plans for the wild release of beavers into the Eastern Yar. 

“We are excited about the role beavers can play in restoring the Eastern Yar. Their natural behaviours will help tackle many of the challenges facing this river, from habitat loss to poor water quality. This marks a significant step forward in our mission to use nature-based solutions for flood management and biodiversity recovery, and we look forward to taking the next steps toward their wild release.” 

Debbie Tann MBE, Chief Executive at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, added: "This decision marks a significant milestone for nature recovery in England. Beavers have a unique ability to restore and rewild our landscapes, making them a key part of our mission to create a wilder future. Wild beavers in the Eastern Yar will bring long-term benefits to both people and wildlife, and we look forward to working closely with our partners and the local community to ensure a successful wild release.”  

An overwhelming body of evidence reveals that beavers provide a cost-effective, natural alternative to help restore damaged waterways for biodiversity, flood and drought management and climate resilience.  

The Trust has been working closely with riparian landowners, local communities, and the Eastern Yar Beaver Steering Group (established in 2022) to discuss the potential of a wild release on the Isle of Wight. The Trust will review the guidance published today (Friday 28 February 2025) by Natural England and consider, in partnership with stakeholders, the next steps which could involve submitting an Expression of Interest for assessment and feedback. The Trust is committed to ensuring any wild beaver release is sustainable and ensures the best outcomes for people and nature.