Six beavers released in Loch Ness catchment

A family of six beavers has been released in the Loch Ness catchment, beginning a planned three-year reintroduction led by Trees for Life and Beaver Trust. The animals were released on November 4 at a lochan on Trees for Life’s Dundreggan estate in Glenmoriston, under a licence granted by NatureScot. The species had not been recorded in the area for about 500 years.

The Ness Beaver Project aims to introduce at least 15 beaver family groups to lochs, lochans and rivers in the catchment over the next three years. Trees for Life applied for the licence earlier in 2026, and NatureScot granted it on October 30. Five Sisters Zoo also supported the project, including by carrying out health checks before the release.

The released group comprises a mother, two juveniles about two years old and three kits born earlier this year. Project representatives said the animals entered the water and began exploring after release. Longer-term monitoring will be needed to establish how they fare and what effects they have in the catchment.

Beavers can build dams and dig channels, creating pools and wetlands. Project supporters say those habitats can benefit wildlife and may help slow water flows,...