Trees for Life and Beaver Trust are partnering to host a community discussion to explore the potential for beaver reintroduction to the Loch Ness area. The engagement will take place throughout September and October and aims to gather input from local residents and stakeholders regarding the opportunities and concerns that may come with the return of this native species.
The River Ness was identified by NatureScot in 2022 as one of the most suitable catchments in Scotland for beavers, with its extensive network of beaver-friendly habitats and low risk of negative impacts. The community discussion will allow for a closer examination of these potential sites and gather input from those who live and work in the area.
According to Alan McDonnell, Head of Nature Restoration at Trees for Life, reintroducing beavers to the Loch Ness area can bring significant benefits to communities, businesses, landscapes, and nature. However, careful consideration is necessary, and they are eager to hear a range of voices and perspectives, including any concerns about potential changes.
Beavers are adaptable creatures and coexist with humans in various freshwater environments. They can bring economic benefits through eco-tourism and ecosystem services, while also creating wetlands that benefit other wildlife and help with climate change adaptation, water purification, and flood prevention. In some cases, they may pose challenges for farming or other land uses, but these can often be managed.
Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Head of Restoration at Beaver Trust, looks forward to discussing the benefits and impacts of beavers with the community, including establishing healthy wild populations, promoting coexistence with local people and land uses, and ensuring the species can thrive. This discussion is a crucial step towards expanding the beaver population in 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 gather input on the opportunities and concerns of beaver reintroduction. This will also include 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, emphasizes the importance of engaging with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the success of any beaver translocation. This community discussion aligns with the Scottish Government’s Scottish Beaver Strategy, published in 2022 with input from over 50 major stakeholders. The strategy aims to maximize the benefits of beavers while minimizing any negative impacts and actively expanding their population in appropriate areas.
It’s important to note that beavers cannot be captured, transported, or released in Scotland without a license from NatureScot. This community discussion is an essential step in the process, as detailed in both the Scottish Code for Conservation Translocations and the Scottish Beaver Strategy. This includes carefully considering all benefits and issues that may arise from a specific project, as well as detailed habitat assessments.
Beavers are considered a “keystone species” due to their crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They were officially reintroduced to Scotland in 2009 after being hunted to extinction 400 years ago.
This project has been made possible thanks to funding from generous supporters, including the Fred Foundation, Forest Peace Foundation, and Rewilding Britain’s Rewilding Innovation Fund. For more information, visit treesforlife.org.uk/ness-beaver-project.
