On 1 October 2022, the legislation changed to protect wild-living beavers in England.Beavers are designated as both a native species in England and a European protected species under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017, making it an offence to kill, harm or disturb them. In September, Defra published guidance on what activities related to beavers will require a licence, but conservationists want a full strategy detailed for their management. The Wildlife Trusts and the Beaver Trust are calling on newly appointed Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawadena to ensure the Government leads the way on their reintroduction.Dorset Wildlife Trust - James Burland Devon Wildlife Trust, Mike SymesRussell Savory