Meet the Team
"I admire beavers because they are faithful to their families and work hard to provide for them. I welcome beavers because their hard work also improves their local wetland habitat for the benefit of lots of other species. I count myself incredibly privileged to be playing an active part in the return of the beaver to Scotland."
Allan Bantick, Chairman, Scottish Wildlife Trust
"The Scottish beaver trial is an important and historic first step in the process of re-establishing a keystone species back into the Scottish Environment. This wonderful mammal plays an extremely important role in shaping and managing the environment in which it lives and the positive benefits of it’s actions impact on a huge range of other species including humans. At a time when we have to consider the impact of climate change, people and governments in a range of countries across Europe are looking at this species in the understanding that its modification of its environment can help with flood mitigation hence the reason for the numerous reintroduction programmes which have taken place for this species throughout its former range.
The Knapdale Trial will provide us all with important first step information on how this species works in its long lost home in
Iain Valentine, Director of Animals, Education and Conservation, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
"To me the most exciting thing about this inspired project is that it combines rebuilding our biodiversity with the restoration of natural processes. The first (trial) reintroduction of a native mammal to our country and the positive move towards re-establishing a "living landscape" is really worth celebrating."
Simon Milne, Chief Executive, Scottish Wildlife Trust
"The Scottish Beaver Trial is the most exciting and groundbreaking wildlife project that I have worked on in my 15 year long career within nature conservation. The reintroduction of the beaver to the UK is of national importance and if successful will; I believe eventually help in restoring some of our most important wetland habitats at an ecosystem scale."
Simon Jones, SBT Project Manager, Scottish Beaver Trial
"This Trial provides an exciting and fascinating opportunity for us to explore beaver reintroduction to Britain. I believe beavers could play an important role in the restoration of wetlands. The reintroduction of native species is a vital process in conservation. Research into improving these processes should bring benefits to individual health and welfare."
Roisin Campbell-Palmer, RZSS Project Leader, Scottish Beaver Trial
I am extremely happy to be involved in the Scottish Beaver Trial, not least because it gets me out into the field! It is a real privilege to see first-hand how the beavers have adapted to their Scottish home, how they’re adapting their surroundings and the effects they have on other wildlife. The project is challenging and interesting, bringing together many different types of data to contribute to the independent monitoring programme.
Gill Dowse, Biodiversity Data Manager, SWT.
I have always had a deep interest in the reintroductions of species for the benefit of conservation and increased biodiversity. Having the chance to work with the first mammal reintroduction in the UK and a keystone species at that, is a real honour. Witnessing the positive effects that Beavers have on their wetland habitats and the other species which depend on them for survival is the most interesting project I have worked on. This project is a major step forward for conservation in the UK.
Robert Needham, Field Officer, SBT.
Click here to view the full organisation structure of the Trial and the terms of reference for the working groups.
