The first beaver kits in 400 years have been born in Glen Affric, marking a historic milestone in the restoration of one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes.
The arrival of at least two healthy kits at Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin comes less than a year after beavers were reintroduced to Glen Affric National Nature Reserve by Trees for Life and Forestry and Land Scotland.
Wildlife cameras have captured the young beavers, including one playing alongside its mother, providing the first glimpse of a new generation that conservationists hope will help shape the future of the glen.
The kits are believed to have been born in May or June before emerging from their lodge over the past few weeks.
The births follow the release of 11 beavers relocated from agricultural land in Tayside under licence from NatureScot, with the first animals arriving in October last year and a further family released in February.
Trees for Life and Forestry and Land Scotland began work on the reintroduction project in 2022, supported by Beaver Trust, following extensive consultation with local communities and land managers.
Tobias Leask, Trees for Life’s Beaver Management Officer, said:
“These beaver kits symbolise 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 realise you’re witnessing history.
“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 project forms part of Scotland’s National Beaver Strategy and supports the Scottish Government’s ambition to expand beaver populations on suitable public land beyond their current 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.”
Once widespread across Scotland before being hunted to extinction, Eurasian beavers are now a protected species whose return is helping to create wetlands that benefit wildlife, improve water quality and reduce flood risk, while the Glen Affric project continues to involve local volunteers in monitoring the animals and their impact on the landscape.
