Beavers

The Scottish government will actively support the expansion of the beaver population, promoting translocation, which involves safely trapping and moving beavers to a more suitable area. This will reduce or avoid negative impacts and help establish beaver presence in areas of Scotland outside their c

A ruling by Lady Carmichael in the Outer House yesterday confirms that all previous licensed killings of beavers authorised by the Scottish government’s nature agency, NatureScot, have been unlawful and have been revoked. The ruling confirms that from now on NatureScot must set out openly and

A legal challenge by Trees for Life to the Scottish government’s beaver killing policy is being heard by the Court of Session today and tomorrow. Trees for Life says the government’s nature agency NatureScot is breaking the law by failing to make the killing of the protected species a la

Beavers are now a protected species in Scotland. From today, shooting beavers will only be allowed under licence, which will be managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). All licenses will be issued in accordance with the law on European Protected Species.

The Eurasian or European beaver will be added to the list of European Protected Species of Animals, protected under Scots law. This means that from 1 May 2019 shooting will only be allowed under licence, which will be managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). All licenses will be issued in accorda