FAQ: What is the purpose and aims of the beaver trial?
The purpose of the trial is to help us 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 how well they settle into their new habitat here in Scotland - comparing these with the intensive research and management in mainland Europe.
The Scottish Beaver Trial has five main aims:
- To study the ecology and biology of the Eurasian beaver in the Scottish environment.
- To assess the effects of beaver activities on the natural and socio-economic environment.
- To generate information during the proposed trial release that will inform a potential further release of beavers at other sites with different habitat characteristics.
- To determine the extent and impact of any increased tourism generated through the presence of beavers.
- To explore the environmental education opportunities that may arise from the trial itself and the scope for a wider programme should the trial be successful.
