FAQ: How long is the Scottish Beaver Trial and what is the programme?
The trial will last five years from when the beavers arrive at Knapdale (2009 – 2014). There will be a period after the trial is complete for reporting.
The purpose of the trial is to help us determine whether or not the reintroduction of beavers in Scotland is feasible and beneficial to nature conservation. Our time-limited trial will assess the impact beavers activities have on the local environment and how well they settle into their new habitat here in Scotland - comparing these with the intensive research and management in mainland Europe.
The licence for this time-limited trial reintroduction was granted by the Scottish Government in May 2008. The beaver families were all caught in the Telemark region of Norway and transported to quarantine facilities in Devon. They have all completed a statutory quarantine period of six months before being released in the trial site.
The beaver families will now be closely tracked by a project team on the ground for the remainder of the trial period. Scottish Natural Heritage is the independent body tasked by the Scottish Government to co-ordinate the independent scientific monitoring of the trial. They will report to the Scottish Government on whether the conditions of the licence are being met on the ground. It is for the Scottish Government to decide on the future of beavers in Knapdale Forest at the end of the trial.
