The beaver is BACK! Furry river creatures are released into the Scottish Highlands – marking a moment of 'wildlife history'

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Beavers have been released into the Scottish Highlands – marking a moment of 'wildlife history' for the species.

The first release saw a pair of beavers let out into the waters above Beinn a Mheadhoin dam in the Glen Affric national nature reserve on October 24. 

This was followed by the release of a family of five later that same day.

Supporters say that beavers are beneficial to the environment – helping to boost wildlife in their dams, and reducing the risk of flooding. 

'As we saw the beavers released into the loch, we were watching a moment of wildlife history – offering hope for tackling the nature and climate emergencies, and a better future for biodiversity and people,' said Steve Micklewright, Trees for Life’s Chief Executive.

However, not everyone agrees.  

Experts have previously raised concerns about the impact of beavers flooding roads, properties and farmland.  

National Farmers' Union (NFU) president Tom Bradshaw has even called for farmers to be allowed to use 'lethal control' of the animals if they 'end up in the wrong place'.

Beavers have been released into the Scottish Highlands – marking a moment of 'wildlife history' for the species

The first release saw a pair of beavers let out into the waters above Beinn a Mheadhoin dam in the Glen Affric national nature reserve on October 24. This was followed by the release of a family of five later that same day

While beavers once roamed Scotland, they were driven to extinction some 400 years ago.

However, an initial reintroduction trial of beavers at Knapdale in Argyll began in 2009 and they have since been released elsewhere.

The most recent release comes after NatureScot granted a licence in August, following three phases of extensive consultations with local communities and land managers.

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), which manages the 17,604–hectare NNR, has been working in partnership with Trees for Life on the initiative since 2022, supported by Beaver Trust.

'We're proud to have worked with FLS on this community–focused initiative,' Mr Micklewright said. 

'FLS has undertaken vital habitat restoration work in Glen Affric over many years and shown real leadership in nature restoration by reintroducing this important habitat–creating, biodiversity–boosting, flood–preventing animal.'

The Scottish Government announced in 2016 that beavers would be allowed to remain in Scotland and in 2019 they were recognised as a protected species.

Before being released in Glen Affric, the beavers were housed at a specialised beaver holding and quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo for health checks.

Before being released in Glen Affric, the beavers were housed at a specialised beaver holding and quarantine facility at Five Sisters Zoo for health checks

Experts said that beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purify water and reduce flooding

FLS north region manager Alex Mcleod said: 'Beavers being translocated to Glen Affric is the culmination of a long, exacting and thorough process for FLS and Trees for Life.

'Fully engaging with the local Affric communities, including through a detailed consultation process, has been crucial in making sure that all voices were heard.

'This high degree of local consultation has helped put in place processes to discuss any necessary mitigation and to address concerns raised by those not in favour of beaver introductions.

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'We are establishing a group to oversee ongoing monitoring to inform management decisions in the months and years to come, and I would hope that the beavers eventually become an integral and unremarked part of Glen Affric.'

Experts said that beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purify water and reduce flooding.

While the animals can sometimes create localised problems, the Glen Affric project partners said they have put measures in place to address these quickly should they emerge.