The government’s approach to the management of beaver was informed by a programme over work over five years, including a trial to investigate the impacts of wild living beavers, and a public consultation on our approach to management. In this consultation the government outlined proposals for a management hierarchy and intention to protect the species. Natural England engaged with key stakeholder groups on this management hierarchy. Ahead of beaver protection being introduced, the Government published management and licensing guidance for the species. This included a management hierarchy outlining what actions land managers can undertake with and without a licence, and the licenses available. Given beavers were given protected status last October, it is too soon to review this. As such, it would not be appropriate for the taskforce, which has no formal role in decisions of this nature, to undertake a review of the protected status of beaver.