Beaver to Glen Affric: An update

Since mid-2022, we have been collaborating with Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) on an exciting proposal to reintroduce beavers to Glen Affric. This endeavour marks a significant step in our ongoing rewilding work, aiming to restore ecological balance and foster biodiversity in this iconic Highland landscape.

The journey towards this proposal has been deeply rooted in community engagement and transparent dialogue. Recently, the local engagement process concluded with the publication of a comprehensive report by Deciding Matters, an independent dialogue organisation renowned for its best practice standards in community engagement. You can read the full report here.

Deciding Matters took a meticulous approach, conducting one-to-one interviews with everyone who responded to hand-delivered invitations in the Strathglass area. Each interviewee had the opportunity to review and comment on the draft report. The findings were promising, with a 2:1 majority supporting the proposal to bring beavers back to Glen Affric.

This round of community engagement followed previous consultations that led to key changes in the proposal, reflecting local input. These changes included reducing the area designated for beaver translocation, developing a community-driven monitoring plan, and appointing a Beaver Management Officer from the local area. This officer will play a critical role in overseeing the beaver population and addressing any issues that arise, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the beavers and the local community.

The next step lies with FLS, who are currently deliberating whether to proceed with applying to NatureScot for a licence to move forward with the beaver reintroduction. This decision will be pivotal in determining the future direction of nature restoration in the area.

Beavers, often referred to as “ecosystem engineers,” have a remarkable ability to transform landscapes. Their activities can create diverse habitats, benefiting numerous species and enhancing the overall health of the ecosystem. By building dams and creating wetlands, beavers can help to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and increase biodiversity. The potential benefits of their reintroduction to Glen Affric are immense, promising a revitalised and resilient natural environment.

However, successful rewilding is as much about people as it is about wildlife. Engaging with local communities, understanding their concerns about change, and working collaboratively to find solutions are crucial elements of any rewilding project.  This approach steered us to create the Beaver Management Officer position to provide practical support where it might be needed.  The support and involvement of the Strathglass community have been instrumental in shaping this proposal, ensuring it is socially acceptable as well as ecologically sound.

As we await the decision from FLS, we remain hopeful and committed to our vision of a wilder, more biodiverse Glen Affric. The potential return of beavers represents a significant milestone in our rewilding journey, embodying our hopes for greater connections between people and nature.

Stay tuned for updates and join us in supporting the rewilding of Glen Affric. Together, we can create a thriving landscape where nature and communities flourish side by side.

Find out more about our proposal to reintroduce beavers to Glen Affric here.