Beavers need to be reintroduced into the wild to help combat the dual climate and nature crises, according to wildlife experts.

The species, known for naturally managing rivers and wetlands through actions such as coppicing trees and building dams, have been championed by The Wildlife Trusts who have called for a "bold approach" to aid their return.

Beavers have already been released into an enclosure at the Cors Dyfi Nature Reserve in Powys to help manage crucial peat bog habitats.

But there are now calls for them to be released outside of enclosures.

The network of charities has published a report calling for licences to release the semi-aquatic mammals into the wild and not just fenced enclosures, in England and Wales.

The group also requested government funding to support the return of the beavers.

Scientific studies have shown that beavers can improve water quality and help store carbon.

They can also stabilise water flows during times of drought and flood, and create habitats for other wildlife species.

Beavers can also be a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods used to tackle water resources issues and conservation work.

Plus, they can give tourism a cash injection as visitors flock to see them in action.

However, previous efforts to facilitate the return of beavers to the wild have stumbled.

While discussions considering the future of wild beavers took place and the species was given protected status in England, the steps needed for their return were not implemented, according to conservationists.

In Wales, legislation to protect beavers and enable effective management is still lacking.

Rob Stoneman, director of landscape recovery at The Wildlife Trusts, said: "The benefits of beavers are widely acknowledged and well-evidenced – but across England and Wales, the reintroduction of this keystone species has stalled.

"Numerous scientific studies have shown that beavers improve water quality, stabilise water flows during times of drought and flood, and give a huge boost to habitats and to other wildlife.

"Given the climate and nature crises, we need beavers back in the wild to give us a hand to resolve these challenges."

The Wildlife Trusts have urged the Labour governments in Westminster and Wales to publish an ambitious beaver reintroduction strategy.

This includes providing financial support to land managers who make space for them through farming payment schemes and agree funding for beaver management groups.

The Trust also emphasises the need for both UK and Welsh Governments to urgently "confirm" that all wild beaver populations can remain in England and Wales, and to recognise the beavers in Wales as a native, fully protected species.

The report does acknowledge potential issues with the reintroduction of beavers, such as the blocking of fish migration routes by beaver dams, changes to the landscape, trees, and banks, and localised flooding of farmland.

However, the report suggests resolution methods, such as rapid response teams, community projects to improve understanding of beavers, and financial incentives to assist land managers.

Nicola Wheeler, the Trust’s beaver officer, said: "If the Government allowed wild beaver releases, with projects like this there’s a requirement to assess what the local impacts could be, to draw out positives, but also to provide support for coexistence, so to provide help with communities who aren’t used to having beavers in the landscape.

“Whereas the situation at the moment is that there’s a lot of illegal releases going on, and nobody’s taking responsibility for beavers in the landscape in those areas."

A Defra spokesperson stated: "This government is absolutely committed to restoring and protecting nature and we support species reintroductions where there are clear benefits for nature, people and the environment.

"We will continue to work with Natural England to develop our approach to beaver reintroductions in England."