So Defra, the Government hero of the foot-and-mouth epidemic, is concerned about the release of a few European beavers in the wild, a species that roamed our countryside 500 years ago with no adverse effect on the environment.

In fact, their presence improves the environment.

I note Defra made no big fuss about the reintroduction of the red kite, big bustard and other species.

Would the difference be that these other reintroductions are Government-sponsored, whereas the reintroduction of beavers is enacted by a private individual?

The reasons given are laughable, as they should apply to previous reintroductions. Glynn Limmer, Roosevelt Road, Long Hanborough