The Scottish Beaver Trial

Should the beaver be reintroduced to Scotland?
The 'Scottish Beaver Trial' aims to help give an answer to this question.

The role of Scottish Natural Heritage is to coordinate the independent monitoring of the Scottish Beaver Trial on behalf of the Scottish Government. We will publish the outputs of the monitoring work on these pages once they are ready. You'll also find information on other studies made on beavers which can also be used to inform the debate on whether they should be reintroduced, permanently, to Scotland.

The start of the Scottish Beaver Trail
In May 2008, the Scottish Government gave permission to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust for a scientifically monitored, trial reintroduction of European beavers to Knapdale Forest in mid-Argyll. However, there were some conditions, including the need for the monitoring to be done independently, and coordinated by Scottish Natural Heritage.

One year later, and following much detailed preparation, three families of beavers were finally released at Knapdale. This was the first time a species of mammal was reintroduced, legally, anywhere in Britain in the wild. Five years of monitoring will follow the release, and then a further year to allow final reports to be produced and submitted to government. 

Information on the Trial
We will continually update these pages as the Trial progresses, but you can contact us at beavers@snh.gov.uk if you want to find out more about our work.

The Monitoring Programme

Take a look at the various projects being done for the monitoring of the Trial and the organisations involved.

Other Work on Beavers

Find out about our other studies on the feasibility and desirability of reintroducing beavers.

Related Links

Species Action Framework

The European beaver has been identified as a priority for management action.