First baby beavers born in Scotland in over 400 years

By Elizabeth Hunter

The first baby beavers have been born in Scotland in more than 400 years.

At least two beaver kits have been born in Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in Glen Affric, as part of a successful reintroduction project.

They have not been caught on camera in "historic" wildlife images - including one of the babies playing alongside its mother.

The kits are likely to have been born in May or June, before first emerging from the beavers' lodge into the outside world during the past few weeks - the first born in Scotland since the 16th century.

Now a protected species, the Eurasian beaver was once widespread in Scotland until hunted to extinction for its pelt, meat and musk oil.

Records indicate beavers may have survived in the country in small numbers until the 16th century, until efforts began to reintroduce them in 2009.

The births follow the release of a first family of five beavers and a beaver pair at two sites on the loch in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve last October, and the release of a further family of four beavers in February.

The joint project was carried out by rewilding charity Trees for Life and government agency Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).

Tobias Leask, beaver management officer for Trees for Life, was also been able to film the kits from a canoe.

He said: "These beaver kits symbolize a wildlife success story four centuries in the making, and how nature can recover when we give it a chance.

"Seeing them for the first time is something I'll never forget.

"It was one of those rare moments when you realize you're witnessing history.

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"These young animals represent the first generation of beavers that will help shape Glen Affric's future – creating wetlands that support countless other species, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change.

"It's a wonderful milestone for everyone involved in the project."

The 11 beavers were initially relocated under licence by NatureScot from agricultural land in Tayside, following an application by FLS, which manages the 17,604-hectare reserve.

FLS and Trees for Life began work on the reintroduction initiative in 2022, supported by Beaver Trust, which has played a key role in carrying out the releases.

The project helps to deliver Scotland's national beaver strategy, as well as a Scottish Government directive for public agencies to seek beaver reintroductions on state-owned land out of existing beaver range.

Dr. Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at Beaver Trust, said: "The arrival of these kits is a very encouraging indication that the beavers have settled well into their new surroundings and are establishing themselves as a healthy, breeding population.

"Every reintroduction requires careful planning and close monitoring after release, so it is hugely rewarding to see the animals adapting so successfully.

"This achievement reflects the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved and provides further evidence that well-managed translocations can support the responsible restoration of beavers across Scotland in line with the Scottish Government's National Beaver Strategy."

Beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, purify water and reduce flooding. The animals can bring economic benefits to communities through eco-tourism.

But sometimes the species can also create localised problems.

The Glen Affric project partners have put in place measures to address these quickly should they emerge, with ongoing engagement to ensure local people can enjoy and benefit from the beavers' return.

Tobias Leask has also established a volunteer group of local people who monitor how the beavers are settling in and their activity, so that the wider community can be kept up to speed on how the animals are getting on.

Almost 30 people from across the area have already joined the group, and more volunteers are welcome.