The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Farmers develop approach to control species
Farmers and land managers are working with the government to identify new ways of controlling growing beaver populations in Tayside.
The animals were illegally reintroduced to the wild 12 years ago, with their numbers almost tripling since 2012, according to a recent report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Their lodges and dams can flood farmland, costing farmers and land managers thousands of pounds a year.
Adrian Ivory, who farms at Strathisla near Meigle, said: “I am working closely with SNH to try to put in local mitigation measures that are acceptable and workable for both sides of the debate.”
He said beaver populations cost him £4,000 a year and at least half a day a week in labour.
He added: “We are desperately trying to come up with solutions.”
These include fencing off areas, measures to stop the animals coming up water courses and drainage solutions.
The Scottish Government is in the early stages of bringing forward legislation to better manage the impacts.
A spokesman said: “We’ve been quite clear in our intentions to bring forward legislation giving beavers protected species status; a great deal of work has been carried out to lay the groundwork before this can be introduced.
“It’s vital we take the necessary time to agree the right management system for beavers that also works for farmers, and other land managers.”
Andrew Midgley, NFU Scotland environment and land use policy manager, said: “SNH has issued interim beaver management advice and we encourage all farmers and land managers to adhere to that advice.”
Karen Ramoo, policy officer at Scottish Land & Estates, said a management framework was being introduced and beavers were being awarded European protected status.
“This practicable and adaptable management framework provides a range of suitable management options and tools to help farmers and land managers deal with negative impacts from beavers,” she added.