Wild beavers are set to return to the Loch Ness catchment area for the first time in 500 years after officials approved a major rewilding project in the Scottish Highlands. Scottish nature agency NatureScot has granted an official release licence to conservation charities Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust. Under the approved Ness Beaver Project, conservation teams will release up to 15 beaver family groups into suitable waterways across the River Ness catchment over three years. The first releases could begin within weeks, marking an important moment for wildlife and nature in the Scottish Highlands.
Official approval opens door for Highland release
NatureScot approved the releases after carrying out detailed environmental checks and consulting local landowners, farmers and Highland communities. The agency identified the Loch Ness catchment in 2022 as one of Scotland’s most suitable places for beavers because of its large network of waterways that can support the animals, according to Trees for Life. All beavers chosen for the project will undergo strict health checks before being moved to their new homes. The first stage will focus on selected locations that are suitable for wildlife between Fort Augustus and Lochend. Jenny Bryce, beaver team manager at NatureScot, said: “Bringing beavers back to this beautiful place will be great progress for Scotland’s Beaver Strategy, bringing benefits for nature, climate and people.” She added: “We have assessed the monitoring and mitigation plans set out by the applicants and believe that, along with our existing Beaver Mitigation Scheme, any potential conflicts that may arise can be resolved.”
Reversing five centuries of absence
Eurasian beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland during the 16th century. Heavy hunting for their fur, meat and castoreum, a substance used in perfumes, was the main reason for their disappearance. Their loss changed local rivers and waterways. Without beavers, natural wetlands were no longer maintained in the same way. These wetland areas had supported native fish, birds and water plants for thousands of years. The planned releases at Loch Ness are part of Scotland’s wider beaver strategy. The plan aims to bring the native animals back to suitable river catchments across the country. Beavers became a protected species in Scotland in 2019. This means approved relocation can be used to manage their populations instead of killing them. The return of these water-loving animals is expected to help create natural wetlands, improve water quality and slow the flow of rainwater into rivers. Their activities could also provide new habitats for many insects, amphibians and bird species across the Great Glen.
Managing land use and local concerns
Project organisers understand that beaver activities, such as building dams and cutting down trees, can sometimes cause problems for farming and forestry. For this reason, the project teams spoke with local communities before receiving official approval. Trees for Life has appointed dedicated beaver management officers to work with local farmers and property owners. Under NatureScot’s support scheme, landowners will be able to get help with problems caused by beavers. This includes protective wraps for trees, devices to control water flow and free expert advice to deal with local flooding or damage to timber. Field teams are now completing transport plans and preparing the release sites. The first beaver families are expected to be released before the end of the year. For a closer look at how beavers can change Scottish rivers and their surrounding habitats, viewers can watch an overview of Scotland’s Beaver Reintroduction Impact. The video shows the environmental changes that can happen when beavers return to Highland lochs.