UHI Inverness report on beaver presence published by NatureScot

Professor Vicky Johnson, Director of the Centre for Living Sustainability at UHI Inverness, has contributed to a research project exploring the socio-cultural and economic perceptions of beaver presence in the environment.

The study, which was commissioned and published by NatureScot and authored by the Institute of Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation at UHI Inverness, looked at areas for possible translocation of beavers around Beauly. 

The study found that many people who work on the land have a high level of understanding about beaver behaviour and activities, but that there is a demand for more information, particularly around how they interact with the environment and other species. The research also highlighted a need to provide general information on beavers that is easily accessible to the public and communities.

Speaking about the project, Professor Johnson said: “There needs to be timely engagement of people of all ages who live in areas that are considered to be suitable for conservation translocations. 

“Some people have experience of the positive impacts of beavers such as in increasing biodiversity, but others have legitimate concerns and that depends on where they live and how their land may be affected. They need information about mitigation and more details about the possible impacts of beavers. Most people agreed that they wanted to know more about beavers and to be involved.”

The research report can be read here.