Affric beavers decision delayed
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has been advised that a decision on its application to NatureScot for a licence to release beavers into Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin, in Glen Affric, is to be delayed until after the summer. This makes the spring 2025 release window for beavers unviable.
After careful consideration of the application and in full recognition of the extensive consultation effort from FLS, Trees for Life and partners, NatureScot acknowledges that that the issue remains contentious and that concerns remain amongst the farming, crofting and fisheries interests.
Chris Donald, NatureScot’s Head of Operations for Central Highland, said:
“We recognise the significant efforts that have been made by FLS, Trees for Life and partners to consult with local communities and stakeholders. It is clear, however, that there remains considerable concern about the proposal among the local community and its representatives.
“In light of this and given we are now in the beaver kit dependency period when young beavers are reliant on their parents and trapping and translocation is not appropriate, we plan to take the summer to carry out further engagement with those most likely to be affected before any licensing decision is made.”
FLS submitted its application in January 2025 following two years of consultation with local communities and land managers, carried out both by FLS and project partners, Trees for Life.
Had the licence been approved beavers were anticipated to be translocated from other parts of Scotland this Spring.
FLS’ North Region Planning Manager, Euan Wiseman, said;
“The delay to application decision is disappointing but we can appreciate NatureScot’s position.
“The extensive consultation process that was carried out in partnership with Trees for Life, allowed everyone in the community to have their say. We listened to the viewpoints of those who did and did not want to participate in the consultation process and incorporated them into our application.
“The consultation process and other inputs helped us to identify where the majority opinion lay and also helped us to develop appropriate and adequate mitigations to address the concerns raised by those who were not in favour of beaver reintroductions.”
FLS and Trees for Life have been working in partnership since 2022 to engage with the local community regarding a potential proposal to return beavers to FLS landholding in Glen Affric, above the Beinn A’ Mheadhoin Dam.
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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