Reform UK council backs release of beavers amid party row over rewilding
A Reform UK-led council in Leicestershire has supported the release of beavers into the wild to help combat flooding, despite internal party divisions over rewilding policies. The Labour government recently changed the law to allow licensed beaver releases in England, where they had been extinct for about 400 years. While some Reform figures back the move, others, including Nigel Farage, have expressed skepticism about broader rewilding efforts.
- ▪The Labour government legalised the release of beavers in England, where they had been extinct for around 400 years.
- ▪Reform UK councillor Adam Tilbury said beavers could help reduce flooding and boost tourism in Leicestershire.
- ▪Nigel Farage rejected large-scale rewilding proposals, and there is internal conflict within Reform UK over environmental policies.
- ▪Ben Goldsmith, a nature campaigner, has advocated for beaver reintroduction and was approached to help shape Reform UK's nature policy.
- ▪Polling shows over 80% of Reform voters care deeply about nature, influencing internal discussions on environmental issues.
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The Labour government announced last year that a change in the law would allow beavers to be licensed for release into the wild in England. Photograph: Jim Wileman/The GuardianView image in fullscreenThe Labour government announced last year that a change in the law would allow beavers to be licensed for release into the wild in England. Photograph: Jim Wileman/The GuardianReform UKReform UK council backs release of beavers amid party row over rewildingCouncillors in Leicestershire support move in efforts to reduce flooding as Reform faces divisions on nature policyHelena HortonSun 3 May 2026 06.50 EDTLast modified on Sun 3 May 2026 06.59 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleA Reform UK council has backed the release of wild beavers into the countryside, despite the party’s opposition to…
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