Does the Welsh Government plan to give beavers in Wales the same legal protection as they currently have in England?
Beavers were part of our native wildlife and their activities can help create rich and varied habitats which can harbour a greater diversity of wildlife species along rivers and in wetlands and help alleviate flooding. This can make the environment of Wales stronger and healthier, especially as we face ever greater pressures on our air, land and water. However, the activities of beavers can also have undesired impacts when in the wrong situation and therefore require management entailing legal protection and licensing.
My officials have studied the legal protections introduced in England. I have requested NRW undertake a wide review of beaver issues in the Welsh context, which is to include analysis of the appropriateness of the England approach and what legal provisions we should implement in Wales.