Don’t cheer beavers’ return

Dear Editor

The delight of some people at the appearance of beavers in the River Forth and its tributaries (Stirling Observer, February 28) seems to be somewhat misplaced. If the pros and cons are balanced against each other it would appear that the enthusiasm for their return should perhaps be tempered somewhat.

Pros: Beavers build dams to restrict water flow and create wetlands where newts, frogs, various small fish, and many invertebrates can flourish.

Cons: Beavers dig holes in river banks which can cause them to collapse; they block land drains causing flooding to farmers’ fields and destroy trees by felling them for dam making and sustenance. Where the trees are saplings, the vertical stumps which remain are hidden in the grass and are about 10 centimetres tall with sharp tops. These are similar to obstacles used by Robert the Bruce in 1314 and if you have the misfortune to trip and fall onto one of them then you will probably suffer the same fate as the English troops at Bannockburn.

I agree that the case for the beavers is, in some cases, beneficial but surely if wetlands of the type that beavers create is desired in some areas then people can build a dam where it is required. This is surely more beneficial than the vandalism that beavers create.

Some may use the suggestion that since beavers were once native to Scotland that they should be allowed to return.

I suggest this is a specious argument since many forms of life were once prevalent in Scotland like smallpox, cholera, polio, and diphtheria. I don’t see much enthusiasm for their return.

Rob Walker Dunblane