COMMUNITIES across Lochaber are being invited to discuss the possible reintroduction of beavers to the region as part of efforts to restore Scotland's native wildlife.
A series of drop-in consultations will be held next month by nature restoration partnership Loch Abar Mòr, giving residents, land managers and businesses the opportunity to learn more about the proposal and share their views.
The consultations could eventually lead to an application to NatureScot for a licence to release beavers into the Lochaber catchment.
Abel McLinden, partnership manager for Loch Abar Mòr, said the sessions would help gauge local opinion and address concerns about the impact the animals could have on farming, fishing and waterways.
He said: "These drop-in sessions are about sharing information and hearing from those in Lochaber who may be most impacted by the return of beavers.
"A key aim is to understand their views and discuss the effects beavers could have, as well as what could be done to manage them in a way that supports the interests of farming, fishing and waterways, while realising the ecological benefits they bring."
The discussions come as Scotland seeks to establish new beaver populations under the country's National Beaver Strategy, which aims to expand the species' range into suitable habitats.
McLinden added: “The return of beavers elsewhere in Scotland is gradually helping to restore balance and breathe new life into our landscapes. We need to be seeing this at a much larger, landscape-scale across the country.”
Beavers became extinct in Britain in the 16th century, but conservationists say Lochaber could provide an ideal habitat for the species due to its extensive wetlands, native woodland and slow-moving watercourses.
Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at the charity Beaver Trust, described beavers as "nature's engineers".
She said the animals help "re-naturalise" landscapes, regulate water flows and improve resilience to extreme weather and climate change while boosting biodiversity.
"This is the first step on a journey towards exploring how a wild beaver population could thrive in Lochaber," she said.
Any future application to reintroduce the species would have to include a management plan developed with input from local communities, she added.
Professor Jill Robbie, chair of the Scottish Beaver Advisory Group and deputy chair of NatureScot, welcomed the consultation process.
She said: "It is vital that local communities and stakeholders are engaged, and views considered, to ensure any translocation is a success."
The public consultations will take place at the following venues:
- Monday, July 13, 11.30am to 4.30pm – Nevis Centre, Fort William
- Wednesday, July 15, 2pm to 7pm – Memorial Hall, Roy Bridge
- Tuesday, July 21, 2pm to 7pm – Kilmallie Community Centre, Corpach
- Wednesday, July 22, 2pm to 7pm – Spean Bridge Community Centre
A screening of the documentary Balancing the Scales, produced by Beaver Trust, will also be held at the Highland Cinema in Fort William on July 13.
People unable to attend the events in person will be able to submit their views online through the Loch Abar Mòr website.
