The Welsh Government have announced that European Beavers will receive European Protected Species status. This will make it illegal to deliberately harm beavers or their habitats. The change will mean that the legislation in Wales will be in line with England and Scotland in recognising beavers as a native species that require protection.
The Welsh Government have stated that these steps will show how beavers can help to create natural ways of preventing floods and cleaner rivers across Wales. Scientific reports show that dams created by beavers have the ability to trap sediments and filter agricultural pollutants which reach rivers and waterways by reducing the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus which can affect wildlife in the water. This follows an announcement in 2024 which stated that the Welsh Government supported the controlled reintroduction of beavers in Wales.
In a statement Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said:
“Extending legal protections to beavers is a big step forward for nature in Wales. We are facing climate and nature emergencies, and that means we must do everything in our power to help nature thrive.
In taking this step, I’m committed to a collaborative, evidence-led approach. I’m pleased to confirm that we will establish a Wales Beaver Forum to help manage some of the concerns raised, including around potential species impacts, land use and water systems.”
Mary Lewis, Head of Natural Resource Management Policy for Natural Resources Wales (NRW), said:
“Beavers were once an integral part of our native wildlife, playing a crucial role in shaping ecosystems. Their activities in rivers and wetlands help create rich, diverse habitats that support a wide range of species. They also provide important environmental benefits, such as improving water quality and reducing flood risk by slowing the flow of water through river systems.
Reintroducing beavers can make our environment more resilient and healthier – something that’s increasingly important as we face growing pressures on our natural resources, and giving beavers legal protection is an important step forward in making this a success. We look forward to working with the Welsh Government and stakeholders to develop an approach that supports the managed reintroduction of beavers to Wales.”
The Wales Beaver Forum will meet for the first time in November 2025. Those who seek to reintroduce beavers to waterways in Wales will still need to seek a licence from Natural Resources Wales to do so.
