Public input is being sought following a recent debate at Scottish Borders Council about the return of the species to the Tweed catchment.
Elected members agreed an amendment which called for a holistic approach to restoring the river, including more riparian woodland.
Beavers on Tweed, a non-profit organisation based in the region, has welcomed the discussion but urged caution against ruling out licensed translocation as an option.
Ben Douglas, director of Beavers on Tweed and a farmer near Galashiels, said: “We strongly agree that beavers must be considered as part of the health of the whole catchment.
“Scotland faces serious nature depletion, and the Tweed needs more riparian woodland, healthier wetlands and more resilient habitats.
“Beavers can contribute to that by creating wetland habitat, supporting biodiversity and helping water stay in the landscape for longer during both wet and dry periods.”
Councillors have supported an approach favouring natural recolonisation from neighbouring river systems over earlier human intervention.
However, Mr Douglas said it was too soon to rule out planned restoration.
He said: “A planned restoration can allow suitable locations to be assessed in advance, involve land managers from the outset and establish an appropriate founder population.”
Dr Philip Ashmole MBE, a Peebles resident and director of Beavers on Tweed, highlighted the historical presence of beavers in the area.
He said: “For thousands of years after the last Ice Age, beavers lived alongside salmon on the River Tweed.
“Beavers created riparian wetlands and woodlands teeming with insects and other wildlife, while migratory fish evolved alongside beaver dams.”
Dr Ashmole said their extinction in medieval times left behind a “broken ecosystem” and that their return offers a chance to restore natural balance and improve climate resilience.
He added: “Beavers can also benefit wildlife tourism, and farmers and land managers who make space for them should be properly supported and rewarded.
“There is a great deal to gain if we approach restoration thoughtfully.”
Bridie Ashrowan, director of Beavers on Tweed, welcomed the council’s engagement on the issue.
She said: “No release proposal has been made.
“We are still at the stage of building evidence, relationships and public understanding.
“Whether beavers ultimately return naturally, through licensed translocation, or through some combination should be informed by evidence and engagement.”
The organisation is inviting feedback from residents, farmers, land managers, anglers and others through a public survey at tweedbeavers.scot/about/your-views/.