Thirty-five conflict beavers moved to new Scottish homes
NatureScot's latest management report records increased use of translocation, although 22 beavers were still killed under licence during 2025-26.
Thirty-five beavers removed from conflict sites were released at approved locations in Scotland during 2025-26, according to NatureScot's latest annual management report.
Families were moved to the Cairngorms National Park, Forestry and Land Scotland sites in Glen Affric and Tay Forest Park, and Abriachan Forest in the Beauly catchment.
The animals formed part of 84 beavers removed under licence from 22 sites where their activities had the potential to cause serious impacts, principally on prime agricultural land.
Sixty-two, or 74%, were trapped. In addition to the 35 released within Scotland, 24 were sent to licensed projects in England and Wales. One animal died while being held in captivity and two kits remain in care until they are old enough to be released.
A further 22 beavers were killed under licence. The figure was one fewer than in the previous reporting year and, according to NatureScot, considerably lower than earlier levels of lethal control.
The trapping and translocation work was carried out by Beaver Trust and Five Sisters Zoo with NatureScot funding. Moving animals depends both on land managers at conflict sites accepting a non-lethal response and on suitable release projects having space to receive them.
We're pleased to see more of these ecosystem engineers moved to suitable areas this year.
Dr Jenny Bryce, NatureScot
NatureScot also provided advice or practical help in 107 cases through its Beaver Mitigation Scheme. Measures can include devices which regulate water behind dams, together with protection for trees and culverts.
Beaver dams and ponds can create wetland habitat, alter local water flows and improve water quality. Those ecological benefits have underpinned the species' return, but dams, burrowing and flooding can also affect productive fields and infrastructure where animals occupy intensively managed landscapes.
The management figures cover April 2025 to March 2026 and should not be treated as a national population estimate. A new survey of beavers in the Tay and surrounding catchments is due to be published later in 2026 and is expected to provide updated evidence about the population's continuing range expansion.
16 Sep 2026
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