First steps in a bid to bring the beaver back to wilds of Scotland

Published on Sunday 23 December 2007 20:18

THE Scottish Government will today receive a request for a licence to bring back beavers to Scotland for the first time in centuries.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) wants to set up a trial in Knapdale, Argyll.

Last week, the organisations revealed the results of a consultation on the move. More than 73 per cent of people who responded in mid-Argyll were in favour of the trial reintroduction, although a majority of people living nearer the trial site were opposed.

Beavers have been extinct in Scotland since the 16th century, when they were hunted to extinction. Those in favour of bringing them back say they play an important role in aquatic and wetland ecosystems and can encourage wildlife tourism. Those against believe they could harm existing species, raise health issues and affect salmon fishing.

Allan Bantick, chairman of the project steering group and trustee of SWT, said: "We are delighted this licence application has now been submitted. Should the licence be granted, we look forward to conducting a full scientific trial of the first formal reintroduction of a native mammal into the wild in the UK."

Mr Bantick added that the first beavers could be reintroduced to Mid-Argyll in spring 2009: "Once we get the green light from the Scottish Government, we will develop the detailed plan for the trial, taking into consideration issues raised during the consultation."

David Windmill, chief executive of RZSS, said: "We are very keen to see this trial go ahead. We will work with all the various stakeholders involved in the project to make it a success and to benefit from the contribution the beaver can make to improving our natural ecosystems and habitats as well as encouraging tourism.

"We are very pleased to have so much support for this project and anticipate great public interest in the long-awaited return of the beaver to Scotland."