Third time lucky for beaver trial?

Minister confirms he will consider new proposal for Scottish beavers

1st August, 2007

Nearly two years after the second proposal by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) for a trial re-introduction of beavers to Scotland was rejected, two leading Scottish conservation bodies; the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) welcomed the news that Mike Russell MSP, Environment Minister, is considering returning beavers to Scotland.

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Out of Doors programme, the Minister revealed that he would like to “make a decision this year and if at all possible, I’d like to make sure it [a trial beaver re-introduction] happens.” He continued “A lot of European countries have successfully introduced the beaver. It is native to Scotland and there is no reason it [the beaver] shouldn’t be here…an opportunity exists to bring it back and there are some technical issues in the last application in relation to the European Habitats Directive that need to be looked at…I’m keen to see this happen.”

SWT’s Chief Executive Simon Milne said: “This is very encouraging news; the Scottish Wildlife Trust welcomes Mike Russell’s positive comments about restoring beavers to Scotland. The beaver is a keystone species whose re-introduction can bring a wide range of benefits to the countryside including improving the ecology of Scotland’s wetland habitats and associated birds, insects, fish and animals, reducing downstream flooding and improving water quality. We are currently in discussion with other partners to ensure that the support being given by the Scottish Government is harnessed so that this project can be moved forward as quickly as possible.”

David Windmill, Chief Executive of the RZSS which runs Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park, said: “We hope that this re-introduction can be achieved as soon as possible. Beaver re-introductions in over 20 other European countries have been very successful, bringing both environmental benefits and a boost to tourism in rural areas. A successful trial will create the confidence to spread the reintroduction to suitable habitats throughout Scotland. Bringing the beaver back will hopefully encourage the public to take a greater interest in the Scottish environment.”

Approval for the scientific trial would see beavers living in Scotland for the first time since they were hunted to extinction in the sixteenth century. As part of the European Union’s Habitats Directive, UK government is obligated to consider the restoration of extinct species. In January 2007, the first indication of the Governments commitment to returning the beaver to Scotland was revealed when its conservation advisors (SNH) launched their strategy for conservation action (Species Framework) which included in it the restoration of the beaver to Scotland. As for the site for the possible trial, the Minister in his interview mentioned Argyll as a location but no further details have been given.

Photograph by - Allard Martinius

Story by RSWT

More Information

Clara Govier, Communications Manager, SWT
Tel: 0131 312 4747 or email: cgovier@swt.org.uk

Maxine Finlay, Press Officer, RZSS
Tel: 0131 314 0312 or email: mfinlay@rszz.org.uk

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