West Country (W) Beavers

A family of beavers that made their home along the River Otter in Devon are being allowed to stay - for the next five years at least.

As many as ten of the animals have set up home along the river. They haven't lived freely in our countryside for centuries but Natural England says they can remain while conservationists study their impact on the environment.

A decision is due on the fate of wild beavers living on the River Otter in Devon.

Conservationists think at least three now live near Ottery St Mary. Devon Wildlife Trust hopes to spend five years studying the impact of the beavers on the local environment. It has launched an appeal to fund the project.

DEFRA has denied it has any plans to cull beavers in East Devon.

A family of three are living in the River Otter, and one local councillor had raised concerns a cull was being considered because of the risk of the animals carrying potentially dangerous parasites.