years ago, the UK’s first ever trial reintroduction of a mammal began, with…
We are grateful to the many individuals, funders and partners that have helped make the project a success over the past five years. Here, we share just a small selection of the comments of support we’ve received.
beaver families reintroduced to Knapdale Forest in the Heart of Argyll by…
84%
organisations, The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and host Forestry Commission Scotland, backed up by over…
of mid-Argyll residents support wild beavers living in Knapdale. 11% disagree*
hundred messages of support from local people and businesses. Together, over the last five years, they’ve helped deliver… groundbreaking project, the
Scottish Beaver Trial Turn over to discover some of the facts, figures and responses generated by the project.
Why reintroduce beavers? Beavers are incredible engineers. Their dam building and tree felling can benefit otters, dragonflies, waterfowl and much more. Because of the effect they have on their surrounding environment, beavers are known as a ‘keystone’ species. Over the last five years, the effects of beavers on both their local environment and the local economy have been carefully monitored by a range of independent monitoring partners in order to help the Scottish Government make an informed decision on their future. Simon Jones, Project Manager
74%
of Scottish adults aware of the trial support beaver reintroduction, according to a YouGov poll. 6% disagree*
“
The Scottish Beaver Trial is one of the most considered and well organised species reintroductions ever. Thanks to this project, we can once again see these beautiful creatures at work. Ray Mears, Broadcaster and the UK’s leading Bushcraft Expert
The Scottish Beaver Trial is a partnership between:
80%
”
“
Here in the Heart of Argyll, we have been pleased to host the Scottish Beaver Trial. We have had lots more visitors as a result, and the pools they have constructed have encouraged diversity in the forest.
”
Andrew Wilson, Local Business Owner and Chair of the Heart of Argyll Tourist Alliance
of local people believe that beavers will help tourism and the area’s economy. 4% disagree*
“
I naturally love beavers as beaver is my nickname. We didn’t see any but we did see human tracks, the beginnings of a dam and some footprints as well as caterpillars, butterflies and dragonflies. We’ll definitely be coming back!
”
Beth Mackenzie, visitor to the Trial, aged 10
Thanks to our funders and supporters, including:
Return of the native? Celebrating five years of the Scottish Beaver Trial
Cover image © Philip Price, lochvisions.co.uk *Figures from the mid-Argyll region come from a local stakeholder consultation of 140 respondents, carried out during March 2014. The national survey was carried out online by YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,652 Scottish adults (aged 18+), with 355 having heard of the trial. Field work was undertaken on 19 to 21 March 2014. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish adults (aged 18+). Additional infographic measurements correct as of 23 April 2014. scottishbeavers.org.uk