A family of six beavers has been reintroduced to waters around Loch Ness, where the species was last seen 500 years ago before being hunted to extinction. The animals were released on Trees for Life’s 10,000-acre Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston.
Steve Micklewright, chief executive of the wildlife charity, described the beavers settling in as a “very beautiful thing to see.” He noted their calmness, which he considers a positive sign. The family, consisting of a mother, two yearlings, and three younger beavers, was relocated from Tayside. They had been causing issues for local farmers before their health check and transfer to their new home.
This release is the first initiative of the Ness Beaver Project, a collaboration between Trees for Life and Beaver Trust. The project aims to introduce at least 15 beaver family groups around Loch Ness over the next three years.
Beavers play a significant role in ecosystem restoration. Their dams and canals can revive and reconnect rivers, wetlands, and floodplains. This activity not only enhances biodiversity by supporting other wildlife but also aids in managing the impacts of climate change, such as droughts, wildfires, and flooding. Trees for Life plans to offer guided tours to visitors, providing opportunities to observe the beavers and learn about their landscape-transforming effects.
