European beavers became extinct in Scotland in the 16th Century due to hunting. By the 18th Century they were close to extinction throughout Europe. From the 1920s, successful reintroductions have taken place in 24 European countries.
Licence now granted
In May 2008, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland were granted a conditional licence by the Scottish Government to bring up to four beaver families back to Scotland as part of a six-year trial reintroduction to Knapdale, Mid-Argyll. This conservation milestone will be the first-ever formal wild reintroduction of a native mammal to the United Kingdom.
How can you help?
Despite significant pledges of support, the project partners have the task of raising a minimum of £750,000 to support the beaver trial over six-years. You can play your part in restoring this useful creature by
supporting the project. Find out more by downloading our
information leaflet.
Do you live in the Mid-Argyll area and would you like to get involved in this exciting project? There are opportunities to become involved as a volunteer, working with the Beaver Trial Field Officer, scientists and landowners to monitor and track the animals and their impact on the local environment. If you are interested then please
get in touch.
When will you be able to see beavers in Scotland?
15 – 20 beavers will be captured in Norway in the autumn of 2008, they will undertake a six-month quarantine before being released at Knapdale in spring 2009.
Why bring back beavers?
Beavers are known as a keystone species because their presence helps other wildlife and improves habitats. By building dams they create ponds and wetlands that attract other species such as frogs, toads, water voles, dragonflies, birds and fish. They also help to improve water quality and manage local flooding by creating their own water holding areas and flood defences. In the woodlands they help to stimulate new growth by gnawing on tree stems and coppicing.
Tourism generated by beavers in other European countries has resulted in a substantial increase in visitors in search of this charismatic creature. In rural areas, this can have direct economic benefits to the surrounding communities.
Find out results of the 2007 local consultation (
report and
annexes ).
Want to know more about the Scottish Beaver Trial? Read our
FAQs PDF.