Beaver survey begins

The most comprehensive survey of beaver numbers ever conducted in Scotland will begin in Perth and Kinross this week.

And as part of the project eagle-eyed residents are being asked to help by reporting any beaver sightings.

NatureScot’s survey will begin on Thursday, October 1 to gather detailed and up-to-date information on the locations of active beaver territories.

The survey will also assess the health and spread of the overall population to help inform future beaver operations.

It is thought that since a first assessment in 2012, beavers have spread from where they originally established on the River Tay, to as far as the Forth and the Clyde.

The survey will cover Tayside and the surrounding river catchments, including the Forth and river systems in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

It is the first survey conducted since beavers gained protected status as European Protected Species in Scotland.

Experienced beaver surveyors will search for signs of the semi-aquatic rodent on foot and by canoe on the Tay and across the region.

Roo Campbell, NatureScot project lead, said:“From sightings so far this year, it looks like beavers are spreading even further in and around Tayside – there’s even been a beaver spotted in the west of Glasgow.

“This is wonderful news, as beavers play a vital role in creating habitats such as ponds and wetlands where other species thrive, alleviating flooding and improving water quality.

“But sometimes beavers can cause problems particularly on prime agricultural land, which is principally found on low lying farmland particularly in the east of the country.

“We expect to see the beaver population expanding away from the high conflict areas where their release or escape was unauthorised, and into more suitable habitat where they can thrive and enrich Scotland’s nature.

“In fact, this survey will tell us if that is starting to happen already.”

The public can help this survey by reporting sightings of beavers and their field signs using the Mammal Society’s Mammal Mapper app, available for both iPhone and Android or on their website.