A historic moment unfolded in Cornwall as four beavers were legally released into the wild for the first time on an English mainland river system. The release took place at the Helman Tor reserve, with two beavers meeting in one pond and two others nearby. "It’s a beaver blind date," said Cheryl Marriott, director of nature and people at Cornwall Wildlife Trust. The beavers come from Cheshire and Dorset enclosures and are now starting to build a self-sustaining population. Beavers were hunted to extinction in the UK 400 years ago but are known for improving ecosystems. Their dams slow water flow, reduce flooding, increase drought resistance, and create habitats for birds, fish, and insects. The new release follows a year-long government licensing process that cost £150,000 in fees. Andy Collins, reserves manager, said the beavers' habitat creation will help endangered species like willow tits thrive. Some beavers were even released illegally earlier this year, showing high demand for their return. Local farmer Chris Jones praised the beavers for improving his land and questioned the high cost and delay for legal releases. The Wildlife Trusts plan to release 100 beavers this year, supported by the National Trust. Natural England promises to streamline future approvals for large river projects across the Humber, Severn, and Thames. Witnesses at the release felt emotional. Lauren Jasper, beaver officer, said: "I cried when I saw them released. Luckily it was raining so much you couldn’t tell the difference between my tears and the rain." The beavers wasted no time greeting each other and swimming off, hinting at a hopeful new start for wildlife in England.