Support for plan to boost beaver numbers

The majority of people support the reintroduction of beavers in Scotland, a government consultation has indicated.

Scottish ministers want the species to be allowed to expand naturally following an official trial in Argyll and a study of the beaver population in Tayside.

Beavers were absent from the wild in Scotland for more than 400 years.

The government plans to give the species legal protection, and has set out proposals for how the animals will be managed to minimise any adverse impact on farmers and other land owners.

Its consultation

“The species was hunted to extinction centuries ago”

received more than 500 responses, with 83% agreeing with the policy of reintroduction and the measures to mitigate against potential issues such as flooding through damage to field drainage systems, and damage to infrastructure and crops.

The Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The reintroduction of the beaver to Scotland, after the species was hunted to extinction centuries ago, is testament to the Scottish Government’s commitment to Scotland’s biodiversity, and it’s very encouraging to see the vast majority of respondents to the consultation agree with that decision.”

She said that the government understood concerns surrounding the potential impact, but added: “This is why we have been at pains to work collaboratively with stakeholders wherever possible to discuss those concerns, evaluate potential impacts, and come up with practical and proportionate solutions or mitigation measures where possible.”