Project Partners

Scottish Wildlife Trust

The joint licence holder for the Scottish Beaver Trial, SWT is the largest voluntary body working for all the wildlife of Scotland, representing more than 30,000 members who care for wildlife and the environment. SWT seeks to raise public awareness of threatened habitats and species and manages over 120 wildlife reserves Scotland-wide including Knapdale Forest in partnership with the Forestry Commission Scotland.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are owned by The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). The Society was set up ‘to promote, facilitate and encourage the study of zoology and kindred subjects and to foster and develop amongst the people an interest in and knowledge of animal life’. RZSS has been involved in several successful species reintroduction programmes in the past. These include native species, such as the Canna mouse, as well as global initiatives including reintroducing the Socorro dove back to the Socorro Islands, off the Mexican coast.

Forestry Commission Scotland

Forestry Commission Scotland manages the trial site of Knapdale Forest as part of the national forest estate. Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government’s forestry directorate and is responsible for the protection and expansion of Scotland's forests and woodlands. FCS manages the national forest estate for a range of public benefits – economic, social and environmental. It works closely with a range of national and local stakeholders and partners to deliver the Scottish Government's goals vested in the Scottish Forestry Strategy.

Independent Monitors

Scottish Natural Heritage 

The Scottish Government has asked Scottish Natural Heritage to be responsible for co-ordinating the independent scientific monitoring of the trial. SNH will also report to the Scottish Government on whether the conditions of the licence are being fully addressed on the ground. The trial will be a major contribution to Scotland’s Species Action Framework, which sets out a strategic approach to species management in Scotland.
Visit SNH online to find out more about the trial's progress.