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DevelopingDay 8

River Ness beaver release approval

  1. Update 2 of 2LatestDay 87 days later

    Six beavers return to the Loch Ness catchment. The real test comes next

    The first family is now at Dundreggan in the Loch Ness catchment. The next test is whether beaver-made habitat can develop while salmon and trout keep moving freely.

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    Earliest sourceFarmers Weekly

    What changed

    • 6Beavers in the first released family
    • 15 familiesMaximum authorized over three years
    • 4 NovemberCompleted release date in 2026

  2. Update 1 of 2Day 1

    Loch Ness beaver return approved—for 15 families, not 15 animals

    NatureScot has approved up to 15 beaver families for the River Ness catchment. Their wetland-making could benefit wildlife—but managing effects on farmland will be the practical test.

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    Earliest sourceInverness Courier

    What we knew first

    • 15 familiesMaximum approved for release
    • 3 yearsPermitted release programme
    • >73%Consultation respondents supporting the proposal

Who reported

Who reported

20 outlets · 35 sources

14 of 20 had reported by this moment

Who's involved

Who's involved

People

  • Alan McDonnellCanadian political candidate from British Columbia

Organizations

  • NatureScotgovernment agency
  • Trees for Lifecompany

Places

  • Dundreggan Estate
  • River Ness
Six beavers return to the Loch Ness catchment. The real test comes next