Six beavers released into Loch Ness catchment in 500-year first

A family of six beavers has been released into the Loch Ness catchment, the first recorded there in about 500 years, as part of a plan to establish at least 15 family groups across the area over the next three years.

The animals — a mother, two beavers about two years old and three born earlier this year — were moved from elsewhere in Scotland to the Dundreggan rewilding estate in Glenmoriston. NatureScot licensed the release to Trees for Life and the Beaver Trust.

The beavers came from places where they were damaging prime agricultural land and efforts to reduce that impact had failed or were not possible. The project aims to connect and grow populations in suitable habitat around Loch Ness.

Scotland’s last widely cited historical record of beavers dates to 1526–27 and places them around Loch Ness. Beavers were reintroduced to Scotland in 2009 after being hunted to extinction there about 400 years ago.

Trees for Life says the animals could help create wetlands and healthier rivers by digging channels, coppicing trees and building dams. The organisation says dams on smaller streams can slow water flow and trap sediment. It hopes the resulting habitats will support wildlife including frogs, dragonflies, birds and bats.

NatureScot identified the River Ness catchment in 2022 as one of Scotland’s most suitable areas for beavers. More than 73% of respondents to the project’s consultation supported the proposal, according to the regulator. Further release sites are to be announced once the animals have settled.