Beavers are to be legally protected in England from being captured, killed, injured or disturbed without a licence, the government has announced.

From October, it will also be illegal to damage where they breed.

Earlier this week, the Wildlife Trusts had said a delay to the expected announcement put the reintroduction of beavers to the wild “in jeopardy”.

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said a clear management plan was needed to protect farmland before any law change.

Eurasian beavers, which were once widespread but hunted to extinction 400 years ago, have been reintroduced at sites across Britain.

The first wild beavers were released in Scotland in 2009, where the species was granted legal protection 10 years later.

In England, the government has now taken the first legislative step towards securing an amendment to the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 that would protect beavers from October.

That comes as the wider release of beavers into the wild is currently being considered.

Tony Juniper, who chairs Natural England, said: “This is an significant moment for beaver recovery, as we see a return of this species to its natural places in England.

“We are working closely with landowners, environmentalists and other stakeholders to develop practical guidance to ensure these wonderful animals are able to thrive in suitable habitats alongside people across England.”

Early on Monday morning, three gentle giants wandered out of a corral in the Kent countryside to become the first wild bison to roam in Britain for thousands of years.

The aim is for the animals’ natural behaviour to transform a dense commercial pine forest into a vibrant natural woodland. Their taste for bark will kill some trees and their bulk will open up trails, letting light spill on to the forest floor, while their love of rolling around in dust baths will create more open ground. All this should allow new plants, insects, lizards, birds and bats to thrive.

The Wilder Blean project, near Canterbury, is an experiment to see how well the bison can act as natural “ecosystem engineers” and restore wildlife. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

A more natural woodland should also absorb more carbon, helping to tackle the climate crisis. Global heating was evident as the bison were released, with England in the grip of a heatwave, and the early timing was to allow the bison to reach the shade of the woods before temperatures started to climb.

With lambing season in full swing and many animals to feed, life remains busy at Suffolk Rural college despite the coronavirus lockdown.

With 800 students working from home, four staff members remain on site in Otley looking after its range of animals, from ewes and goats to snakes and giant rabbits.

They keep the students informed of what is going on through social media and film what they have been up to.

Animal technician demonstrator Jennifer Dow said: “Obviously we can’t look after these guys [animals] remotely because they’re here in the centre, so we’re doing all that we can to come into the unit and make sure these guys are happy and healthy.”