The Beavers are back. Around 400 years after the last Beavers were lost from the Cairngorms, Beavers are once again building lodges in the wetlands, rivers and lochs within the Spey catchment. On 20 September 2024, North East Scotland Mammal Network was lucky enough to be hosted by Beaver Project Manager, Jonathan Willet, for an evening visit to one of the release sites.
We gathered at the car park where Johanthan passed around beaver chips (offcast wood from gnawing activities) and beaver sticks (stripped of their bark) – enough for souvenirs for all. We were told the story of how the Beavers have been brought back and, after years of planning, the first animals were released in December 2023. They now have kits and, with further releases planned over the next few years, their future seems more promising than for many centuries.
As dusk approached, we gathered in perfect viewing conditions alongside the Beaver loch. The lodge was clearly visible through binoculars and telescopes. A dozen pairs of eyes were alert for movement. But sadly, as dusk turned to darkness, we had to admit that this was not to be the night. Spirits remained high, though, as we returned to the car park by torchlight and the evening was not without wildlife encounters. We helped a Common Toad and a Palmate Newt off the road to safety, a Roe Deer bounded through the woods and a bat skimmed back and forth over the loch (if only we’d remembered to bring the bat detector!). Best of all was meeting up in person with like-minded enthusiasts and enjoying the company of Cairngorms’ very own Mr Beaver. And there’s now an excuse to arrange another Beaver night in the near future.
North East Scotland Mammal Network 