After months of delays from Scottish government agency NatureScot, a historic licence has been granted for the official reintroduction of beavers to Glen Affric.
The proposal, a partnership between Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and Trees for Life, has been in the works since 2022. This reintroduction marks the first time in four centuries that the native species will be present in the northwest Highlands of Scotland.
The process has involved two years of extensive local consultations and three phases before FLS applied for a licence from NatureScot last December. The licence allows for a family of beavers to be released into Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, a National Nature Reserve owned by FLS in Glen Affric. This could potentially happen as soon as this autumn. The beavers will be translocated from unsuitable farmland habitats elsewhere in Scotland, where they would otherwise face culling.
Alan McDonnell, Trees for Life’s Head of Nature Restoration, expressed his support for the licence, stating, “This successful result for FLS’s well-considered licence application to reintroduce beavers to this famous glen is a positive step from Scotland’s biggest public landowner. FLS should be congratulated for its hard work and for showing leadership as a government agency.”
He also noted that Trees for Life’s dedicated Beaver Management Officer will be working with the local community to ensure that any potential issues are well-managed and that the community can benefit from the presence of beavers in the area.
Beavers are known for creating wetlands that benefit other wildlife, absorb carbon dioxide, purify water, and reduce flooding. Their presence can also bring economic benefits to local communities through eco-tourism.
The official reintroduction of beavers to Glen Affric marks a significant step in the restoration of Scotland’s natural landscape and biodiversity. It is a positive development that has been met with enthusiasm from conservationists and the local community alike.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.