Beavers Reintroduced to Loch Ness After 500 Years

Beavers in Loch Ness wetlands.

A significant milestone has been reached with the Scottish government’s decision to allow the reintroduction of beavers to Loch Ness, an area they have been absent from for approximately five centuries.

Reviving a Lost Species

NatureScot has given the green light to charities Trees for Life and Beaver Trust to release a minimum of 15 beaver family groups into the Loch Ness region, coinciding with the 500th anniversary of the species’ last recorded presence in the area. The chosen location, the River Ness catchment, boasts an abundance of habitats and waterways, making it an ideal setting for the beavers’ return.

Beavers were driven to extinction in Scotland centuries ago, with the last confirmed sighting near Loch Ness dating back to 1526-27. These semi-aquatic mammals are renowned for their remarkable engineering skills, constructing dams and canals that help restore rivers, wetlands, and floodplains, ultimately supporting a diverse range of wildlife and aiding in the mitigation of climate change impacts, including droughts, wildfires, and flooding.

Community Involvement and Funding

The success of the initiative can be attributed, in part, to the strong backing from the local community. Following extensive consultations, Trees for Life submitted a license application to NatureScot, proposing the release of beavers at strategically selected sites. The project has garnered substantial support from local businesses and residents, who recognize the potential for economic growth through eco-tourism, in addition to the ecological benefits.

Alan McDonnell, head of nature restoration at Trees for Life, commented, “Beavers are key allies in tackling the interconnected climate and biodiversity crises facing us all, so this successful result brings real hope for the future. Our thanks go to everyone locally who has taken part in the discussions.”

Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at Beaver Trust, expressed her delight at the decision, stating, “We’re delighted by NatureScot’s decision, and grateful for the invaluable engagement from people who live and work locally. Bringing beavers back to this beautiful place will be great progress for Scotland’s Beaver Strategy, bringing benefits for nature, climate and people.”

The project is being funded by contributions from various organizations, including Trees for Life supporters, the Missing Species Appeal, the Fred Foundation, the Forest Peace Foundation, and Rewilding Britain’s Rewilding Innovation Fund. Beavers for the reintroduction will be sourced from other locations within Scotland.

Trees for Life and Beaver Trust will work closely with the community, facilitating citizen science initiatives, research opportunities, support for land managers, and educational programs. A monitoring and mitigation group will also be established to oversee the project’s progress.

As the project progresses, the specific reintroduction sites will be announced once the beavers have settled, ensuring minimal disruption during their adaptation period. The initial releases are anticipated to take place as early as next month.