Staffordshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) is taking steps to reintroduce beavers into the Trent Valley.

This would improve the area's waterways, help to combat flooding, drought and pollution across the county.

Beavers were once widespread across the UK but were hunted into extinction in the 16th century for their meat, fur and castoreum (a secretion from beaver's scent glands that has been used in medicine, perfume and food since ancient times).

In 2025, the Government announced that beavers could be released into the wild under license.

This followed a series of successful trials elsewhere in the country.

SWT is currently preparing information to make a full license application in the future.

A successful application could see an initial 50 beavers released into suitable Staffordshire areas.

In recent years, beavers have been brought into the county illegally with signs of beaver activity having been spotted on the Rivers Sow, Trent, Dove and Tame.

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This is a practice known as 'beaver bombing'.

These illegal releases make it difficult to maintain healthy genetic diversity and long-term population stability although the landowners hosting the animals have been supportive.

SWT has been looking out for the beavers and have trail camera footage of them feeding, passing wind and scent marking, meaning they have settled in nicely and are claiming their territory.

Sometimes known as 'nature's architects', beavers are extremely helpful to both humans and wildlife.

They can reduce flood risk by slowing and storing water which can also be useful during droughts.

Beavers can also boost the local economy by fueling eco-tourism.

SWT's application will provide solutions to any potential problems including the protection of important trees.

Nick Mott, Species Recovery and River Restoration Manager at SWT, said:

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"I've dreamed of seeing beavers back in Staffordshire for years.

"They slow floods, store water and create amazing places to explore.

"I'm genuinely excited for local communities to see the difference these animals can make.

"As part of our application we're exploring potential beaver release sites.

"These could include our reserves at The Wolseley Centre, Rugeley Riverside Park, Jackson's Coppice and Marsh, Doxey Marshes, Tucklesholme and Croxall Lakes.

"This would be approached in a staggered and sensible way.

"We're proposing long-term plans to ensure we can once again live harmoniously with these fascinating, life-giving creatures."