Discover the fascinating world of beavers in central Scotland as night falls and these incredible ecosystem engineers emerge from their ponds. While their activities provide benefits like alleviating flooding and improving water quality, not everyone is thrilled about their presence.
Beavers, once extinct in Scotland for 400 years, were reintroduced in 2009 and have since flourished, reaching almost 1,000 in 2020. Despite their positive impact on biodiversity, some farmers and landowners have raised concerns about the damage they cause.
From attracting wildlife enthusiasts to causing challenges for farmers, the presence of beavers in Scotland is a complex issue. While some praise their ability to create wetlands and prevent flooding, others like Douglas Neill express frustration over the damage to their land.
As NatureScot works to find a balance between conservation and managing different interests, the debate around beavers continues. Ultimately, the future of these industrious creatures in Scotland rests on finding sustainable solutions that benefit both the ecosystem and the local communities.