Scotland’s 'Beaver Strategy 2022-2045' involves more than 50 stakeholder organisations and represents one of the most ambitious approaches to managing and conserving the species. The new national strategy has been developed to expand Scotland’s beaver population for decades to come.

Beavers create wetland habitats that help wildlife thrive as well as reducing flood risks for farmland and human settlements.

The Beaver Strategy aims to assess how to support communities to maximise the environmental benefits of beavers, while minimising any negative effects through appropriate management and mitigation.

The strategy highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of the beaver population and its effects to improve management as the species expands.

It is estimated that Scotland’s existing beaver population is comprised of around 954 animals across 254 territories, according to NatureScot figures.

The strategy was developed collaboratively under a process...