Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands region, has voiced her profound disappointment at the latest obstacle preventing a beaver release project with overwhelming public support.
A recent investigation by The Ferret claimed direct action from Kate Forbes MSP, at the behest of the National Farmers Union Scotland, had put the brakes on the long-running campaign to return beavers to Glen Affric.
The initiative has seen extensive volunteer and charity efforts dedicated to consultation and community engagement over two years – a process which had been described by the managers at the environment agency NatureScot as the “gold standard” in consultation.
“Despite the tireless work of volunteers and charities, including Trees for Life, to ensure thorough and exemplary local consultations, it appears a small number of people have managed to halt this vital project,” said Burgess.
“This decision undermines the significant amount of time and energy invested by the community and volunteers who have engaged in good faith.”
“This SNP Government has once again shown that it cannot be trusted to put restoring nature – our life-support system – and local communities first.
“Instead, it prefers to yield to vested interests and those with power.”
The reintroduction project, which has garnered two-thirds community support, aimed to bring ecological and economic benefits through the reintroduction of beavers.
“Beavers create wetlands that benefit other wildlife, soak up carbon dioxide, purify water, and reduce flooding, while also providing a draw to visitors.
“In short, their presence and activity is critical to us meeting our climate targets and restoring nature.”
