Beavers leave trail of damage

Sir, – As a lifelong observer of our flora and fauna I must take issue with the opinion expressed, attributed to ecologists, concerning the beneficial effects that beaver dams have in ameliorating water flow at times of heavy rainfall (“Farmers claim illegal beavers causing havoc on their land”, Courier, October 12).

Whilst I agree that more water is stored during the construction of such dams, I would put it to said ecologists that when water levels have reached the depth deemed by the beavers to allow safe underwater access to their lodges, inside the dams the beavers thereafter maintain that level, and no more, extra flow merely over topping these dams during heavy rainfall periods.

Consequently it follows there is no extra water storage available during periods of heavy rainfall, indeed by their very presence and their propensity to fail, beaver dams can actually increase flooding.

I can confirm these illegally reintroduced animals have now progressed well up the River Tay beyond Aberfeldy leaving a trail of destroyed trees and collapsed ditches and riverbanks, thus destroying the very scenery that the vast majority of tourists visiting this area know and enjoy so much.

Beavers in this area are now abandoning their nocturnal habits and can be viewed early in the morning and prior to dusk, perhaps this is the shot in the arm this area’s tourist trade will welcome! A Henderson. Wester Carse, Aberfeldy.

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Perth is gradually opening its “too long-closed” night gates, but it still has a long way to go