Beavers released into the Highlands 400 years after extinction in Scotland

Beavers have returned to the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in the Highlands, 400 years after their extinction in Scotland.

A family of five beavers and a beaver pair were released at two sites on Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin.

The animals were relocated under licence from agricultural land in Tayside to an area where their natural behaviours are expected to benefit the landscape and biodiversity.

Prior to their release, the beavers were held at a specialised beaver holding and quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo for health checks.

Project leaders said that the beavers’ release marked a “moment of wildlife history”.

Supported by the Beaver Trust, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has been working in partnership with Trees for Life to see beavers reintroduced at Glen Affric since 2022.

NatureScot granted a licence in August for the release of four family groups of beavers to the waters above Beinn A’ Mheadhoin dam, following an application by FLS last December.

Experts say that beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purify water and reduce flooding. FLS said they can also bring economic benefits to communities through eco-tourism.

Once widespread in Scotland, the Eurasian beaver was hunted to extinction for its pelt, meat and musk oil. Records indicate beavers may have survived in small numbers until the 16th century.

Beavers are a protected native species, first reintroduced to Scotland in 2009.

Glen Affric provides plenty of good habitat for beavers to establish themselves and become a fully integrated part of the local ecosystem, according to Trees for Life.

“As we saw the beavers released into the loch, we were watching a moment of wildlife history – offering hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and a better future for biodiversity and people,” Trees for Life CEO, Steve Micklewright said.

Black beaver kit entering Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin. Beaver Trust

FLS’ north region manager, Alex Macleod, added: “Beavers being translocated to Glen Affric is the culmination of a long, exacting and thorough process for FLS and Trees for Life.”

The project has included three phases of extensive consultations with local communities and land managers.

FLS acknowledged that beavers can sometimes create localised problems, but the organisation said the Glen Affric project partners have an action plan to address issues quickly should they emerge.

Mr MacLeod said: “Fully engaging with the local Affric communities, including through a detailed consultation process, has been crucial in making sure that all voices were heard.

“This high degree of local consultation has helped put in place processes to discuss any necessary mitigation, and to address concerns raised by those not in favour of beaver introductions.

“We are establishing a group to oversee ongoing monitoring to inform management decisions in the months and years to come, and I would hope that the beavers eventually become an integral and unremarked part of Glen Affric.”

FLS said the reintroduction helps to deliver Scotland’s national beaver strategy, and a Scottish Government directive calling on public agencies to seek reintroductions on state-owned land out of the existing beaver range.