Beavers Now Native Again in Scotland

24th November, 2016

The Scottish Government has today announced that the Eurasian beaver is to be formally recognised as a native species, 400 years after being hunted to extinction in the UK. This follows on from The Scottish Beaver Trial, which was a five-year partnership project between the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and host Forestry Commission Scotland to undertake a time-limited, five-year trial reintroduction of Eurasian beavers to Knapdale, Mid-Argyll. It concluded in 2014. The existing beaver population in Knapdale, Argyll, and the established population on the River Tay will now be allowed to remain in place, with plans to introduce beavers at more sites, over the next few years, to ensure Beavers re-establish throughout Scotland.


* Creating new wetlands that support a wide range of other species such as otters, water voles, fish and dragonflies.

* Creating more diverse woodlands through naturally coppicing trees; and helping to regulate flooding and improve water quality.

* An increase in beavers is also certain to boost wildlife tourism in Scotland, helping to grow a sector that is already worth £127 million per year to the economy.