A family of six beavers was released into the waters around Loch Ness, in the Scottish Highlands, on 4 November 2026. Beavers were last recorded in the area approximately 500 years ago, before they became locally extinct.
The family was reintroduced to a lochan (a small lake) on the 10,000-acre Dundreggan rewilding estate, which was established by the charity Trees for Life in Glenmoriston.
It’s the first release as part of the Ness Beaver Project, through which Trees for Life and Beaver Trust will reintroduce at least 15 beaver family groups into lochs, lochans and rivers around Loch Ness over the next three years. It’s hoped that these beaver populations will eventually connect, providing a wider habitat for the animals.
“It’s been profoundly rewarding to release the first beavers at Dundreggan, marking the start of their return to the Loch Ness catchment,” says Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at Beaver Trust. “The extensive woodland and suitable habitat here offer real opportunities for the animals to thrive and bring lasting biodiversity benefits.”
“We look forward to seeing the changes the beavers bring and to working with Trees for Life, local communities and land managers over the next three years to support further releases and help people live alongside them.
“This project is an important step towards delivering Scotland’s National Beaver Strategy by expanding the population into suitable areas, with monitoring and practical support to help address any challenges along the way.”
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Scotland’s National Beaver Strategy 2022-2045 was published in 2022 by the governing agency NatureScot and aims to expand beaver populations within ‘appropriate areas’ of Scotland. This came after a major trial in Knapdale (also in the Scottish Highlands) which began in 2009.
When NatureScot granted the license for the release in October 2026, it was noted that some concerns had been raised in the consultation process.
“Some concerns have been raised by land managers and residents through the consultation process, and we take these seriously,” said Robbie Kernahan, the NatureScot director for wildlife management, at the time in a statement.
“We have assessed the monitoring and mitigation plans set out by the applicants and believe that, along with our existing Beaver Mitigation Scheme, any potential conflicts that may arise can be resolved.”
Supporters of beaver reintroductions note that beavers can help improve water quality, reduce downstream flooding and boost biodiversity.
Top image: one of the sub-adult beavers exploring Dundreggan loch after being released. Credit: Beaver Trust
