FAQ: How long is the Scottish Beaver Trial and what is the programme?
The trial commenced in May 2009 when the beavers first arrived in Knapdale and is set to last for five years. Beyond its conclusion in 2014, there will be a period for reporting.
The purpose of the trial is to help 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 economy, 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 and Scotland. They all completed a statutory quarantine period before being released in the trial site.
The beaver families are being closely tracked by a project team on the ground for the duration of the trial period. Scottish Natural Heritage has been tasked by the Scottish Government to co-ordinate the scientific assessment of the trial and leads a group of external independent monitoring partners in the delivery of this programme. They report to the Scottish Government on whether the conditions of the licence are being met. It is for the Scottish Government to decide on the future of beavers in Knapdale Forest at the end of the trial in 2014.
