The decision by Michael Russell, Scottish Environment Minister, to give permission for release of 15 – 20 beaver on Forestry Commission land in Knapdale, near Lochgilphead in Argyll, marks a historic step towards full reintroduction of the species to the UK.

It is the culmination of many years work by conservation organizations including Scottish Wildlife Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Zoological Society of Scotland to demonstrate the benefits of beaver.

Minister anticipates tourism benefits

“They are charismatic, resourceful little mammals and I fully expect their reappearance in Knapdale to draw tourists from around the British Isles, and even further afield” declared Michael Russell.

The beaver will be taken from Norway, where conditions are relatively similar to those in Scotland, and flown in for quarantine checks this Autumn prior to their release early in 2009.

A previous attempt to reintroduce beaver in 2005 was rejected by officials in the Scottish Executive who received representations from some local landowners, although public opinion surveys have shown high levels of positive support, in excess of 80% of those polled. [See Legalities section].

Concerns merit respect

Acclamation for this reintroduction has not been universal, with worries expressed about possible damage to the nearby Crinan Canal. Equally, while the release site chosen is in relatively remote forestland, this will allow relatively limited opportunity to assess their interaction with local farms and communities.

The beaver will however be radio-tagged and micro-chipped and their movements and impact closely monitored. If the trial proves successful, a second release will occur in 2010, with a more central site currently being assessed.