Family of Beavers Released at Glen Affric Nature Reserve, Bringing Positive Benefits to Local Landscape and Biodiversity
A family of five beavers and a beaver pair have recently been welcomed to their new home at Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in the northwest Highlands. The relocation of these beavers, which was conducted under license, is expected to have a positive impact on the local landscape and biodiversity.
The project, which has been in the works since 2022, is a joint effort between Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), Trees for Life, and Beaver Trust. It has involved extensive consultations with local communities and land managers, in order to ensure the smooth and successful integration of the beavers into their new surroundings.
Alex Mcleod, FLS North Region Manager, expressed the importance of community involvement in the project, stating that “fully engaging with the local Affric communities, including through a detailed consultation process, has been crucial in making sure that all voices were heard.”
The beavers were released into the loch on October 24th, marking a moment of wildlife history and offering hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, as well as a better future for biodiversity and people.
Steve Micklewright, Chief Executive of Trees for Life, praised FLS for their leadership in nature restoration by reintroducing this important animal, which creates wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purify water, and reduce flooding. He also highlighted the potential economic benefits for communities through eco-tourism.
While beavers can bring many positive benefits, they can also create localised problems. To address this, the Glen Affric project partners have put measures in place to quickly address any issues that may arise.
FLS is also establishing a Beaver Community Mitigation and Monitoring Group, which will serve as a focal point for community and visitor liaison. The group, which also includes NatureScot, will monitor developments and address any concerns that may arise. It will also look at developing educational opportunities with local schools, the wider community, and visitors to the area.
Tobias Leask, Trees for Life’s dedicated Beaver Management Officer, will be engaging with the whole community to ensure that local people can enjoy and benefit from the return of the beavers through a well-managed process.
The translocation to Glen Affric was carried out by Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration at Beaver Trust, who emphasized the importance of beavers in restoring biodiversity and creating a healthier, more connected environment. She stated that “responsible, well-considered translocations like this are helping re-establish a healthy, connected beaver population across the country.”
Prior to their release, the beavers were housed at a specialised beaver holding and quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo for health checks.
Local resident Malcolm Wield expressed his support for the reintroduction, stating that “beavers benefit a wide range of different species including trees, plants, invertebrates, amphibians, fish, other mammals, and birds.” He added, “this is a good result for us, our children, our grandchildren, and future generations.”
The reintroduction of beavers to Glen Affric helps to deliver Scotland’s national beaver strategy and a Scottish Government directive calling on public agencies to seek reintroductions of the species on state-owned land out of existing beaver range.
The Eurasian beaver, which was once widespread in Scotland, was hunted to extinction for its pelt, meat, and musk oil. Records indicate that beavers may have survived in small numbers until the 16th century. Beavers are now a protected native species in Scotland, with the first reintroduction taking place in 2009.
This exciting project marks a significant step towards the restoration of Scotland’s natural habitats and the protection of its wildlife. With the establishment of the Beaver Community Mitigation and Monitoring Group, as well as the dedication of Trees for Life and Beaver Trust, the beavers at Glen Affric are set to become an integral part of the local ecosystem for years to come.
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