FAQ: What impact will the beavers have on water quality and hydrology?
As part of the scientific monitoring programme of the beaver trial, several independent partners are assessing the impact that the beavers may have on local water quality and hydrology. They include Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the local environmental health department of Argyll and Bute Council and the University of Stirling.
Research from elsewhere suggests that ponds and water pools created from beaver dams can have marked benefits on local water quality. Dams are usually only built on small streams, less than 3 metres wide, and these can moderate the detrimental effect of irregular flow. The modifications can also raise the water table locally creating wetland areas to the benefit of biodiversity. The ponds can help to neutralise acidic run-off, act as sinks for pollutants and increase the self-purification of a watercourse. They can form considerable sediment traps, reducing very strongly erosive runoff and particulate loads in downstream water. Dams are not necessarily permanent.
The outputs of the scientific monitoring are now available on an independent SNH website.
Visit SNH online now to find out more.
