Farmers urge 'management' of beavers as more are released in Scottish wild

Farmers have expressed concern about the increasing amount of beaver numbers
Farmers have expressed concern about the increasing amount of beaver numbers

Farmers have warned that beavers could cause considerable damage on farmland as more of the animals are to be released into the wild in Knapdale Forest in Argyll, Scotland.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), the lead partners of the successful Scottish Beaver Trial, have been granted a species licence to introduce up to 28 beavers.

The success of the five-year trial resulted in Scottish ministers granting the animals ‘native’ status, allowing them to remain in the wild and spread naturally.

Native Scottish beavers were hunted to extinction in the 16th century. But there are now currently at least nine beavers within four groups in Knapdale.

However, farmers have expressed concern about the increasing amount of beaver numbers.

Farming union NFU Scotland has insisted that 'proper management' of the species is fundamental in order to avoid impact on agriculture. Some farmers have warned of considerable damage to farmland.

NFU Scotland has previously commented about the situation, saying beavers must be 'appropriately managed' to minimise the risk of unacceptable impacts on agriculture.

Local farmers criticised the move at the time and warned that they must be allowed to cull the mammals where they threaten agricultural land by felling trees and blocking ditches.