Locals invited to hear more about studies of Knapdale beavers

The beavers were released in May 2009 by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, on land managed by Forestry Commission Scotland, as part of the five-year Scottish Beaver Trial. A series of independent scientific research projects were carried out into the effects of the beavers on the area during the trial, which finished in May 2014. These covered a wide range of issues, from socio-economics to ecology.

The evening will start with short talks from some of the scientists who carried out the research, including speakers from the University of Stirling, University of Oxford, the James Hutton Institute, Scotland’s Rural College and Scottish Natural Heritage. There will be an opportunity to chat to them afterwards and to look at posters on each study.

The event is free and tea and coffee will be provided.

Dr Martin Gaywood from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), who managed the independent scientific monitoring of the trial said: “We’re keen to bring local people up-to-date on the studies that have been carried out over the last five years. There are some interesting and quite surprising results and this is a one-off opportunity to hear about them from the scientists themselves. The talks will be in the first part of the evening but if you can’t make it then do feel free to drop-in later on to chat to us and have a look at the posters. Everyone is welcome - we look forward to seeing you on the night.”

Some of the final reports are on the SNH website at www.snh.gov.uk/scottishbeavertrial. The remaining reports will be published over the weeks ahead.

ENDS

For media enquiries contact Nancy Fraser, SNH media & public relations officer on 0141 951 0809 / 0141 951 4488 or nancy.fraser@snh.gov.uk