Public Discussion Held to Consider Beaver Reintroduction to Loch Ness Area
A community discussion, organized by Trees for Life in partnership with Beaver Trust, is set to take place throughout September and October to explore the possibilities of reintroducing beavers to the Loch Ness area.
The discussion will engage with local communities and stakeholders to gather their views on the potential opportunities and concerns that may come with the reintroduction of the native species to beaver-friendly waterbodies near Loch Ness, specifically between Fort Augustus and Lochend.
In 2022, the River Ness was identified by NatureScot as one of the most suitable catchments in Scotland for beavers due to its extensive network of beaver-friendly habitats, such as wetlands and freshwater, as well as more than 3,000 hectares of suitable woodland. The area also poses a low risk of negative impacts and has a high potential for nature restoration. The community discussion will allow for further examination of these factors with input from local residents and stakeholders.
Alan McDonnell, Head of Nature Restoration at Trees for Life, explained the importance of hearing from a diverse range of voices, stating, “Bringing beavers back to the Loch Ness area can offer real benefits for communities, businesses, landscapes, and nature, but needs careful consideration. So we want to hear a full range of views and community voices, including any concerns about changes beavers might bring.”
Beavers are known for being highly adaptable and can coexist with people in various freshwater environments. Their presence can bring economic benefits to communities through eco-tourism and ecosystem services. The wetlands created by beavers also provide benefits to other wildlife, aid in adapting to climate change, purify water, and reduce flooding. While they can occasionally cause problems on farmland or for other land uses, these conflicts can often be managed.
Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration at Beaver Trust, expressed enthusiasm for discussing the potential impacts and benefits of beavers in the area, stating, “We look forward to discussing the benefits and impacts of beavers in the area with those attending the events, including how to establish healthy wild populations, support long-term coexistence with local people and land uses, and ensure the species can thrive. This forms an important step towards expanding the beaver population into suitable areas as part of Scotland’s National Beaver Strategy.”
The community discussion will include a series of in-person and online events, as well as one-to-one discussions, to engage with the public’s views on the potential opportunities and concerns associated with beaver reintroduction. This will also include discussions on practical mitigation and monitoring measures that may be necessary to maximize the benefits of the species.
Professor Jill Robbie, Chair of the Scottish Beaver Advisory Group and Deputy Chair of NatureScot, emphasized the importance of community engagement in the reintroduction process, stating, “Scotland’s Beaver Strategy aims to increase the current range of beavers in Scotland, restoring them to suitable parts of the country, with appropriate management and mitigation where necessary. We welcome the launch of this consultation, which is aligned with the implementation of the Strategy, and it is vital that local communities and stakeholders are engaged, and views considered, to ensure any translocation is a success.”
The community discussion is in line with the Scottish Government’s Scottish Beaver Strategy, which was published in 2022 with the input of over 50 major stakeholders. The strategy aims to ensure that communities can reap the benefits of having beavers while minimizing any negative impacts. It also aims to actively expand the beaver population into suitable areas.
It is important to note that beavers cannot be captured, transported, or released in Scotland without a license from NatureScot. Under both the Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations and the Scottish Beaver Strategy, public engagement is a crucial step in applying for a reintroduction license. This allows for careful consideration of all potential benefits and issues associated with a specific project. The ecological aspects are also a crucial factor, with detailed habitat assessments being a key part of the process.
Beavers are considered a “keystone species” due to their essential role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They were officially reintroduced to Scotland in 2009 after being hunted to extinction in the country over 400 years ago.
The project is made possible by funding from generous supporters of Trees for Life, as well as the Fred Foundation, Forest Peace Foundation, and Rewilding Britain’s Rewilding Innovation Fund.
For more details on the community discussion, visit treesforlife.org.uk/ness-beaver-project.
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