At least two baby beavers have been born in an area of the Scottish Highlands, marking the first time in four centuries that births have been recorded in the region.<\/p>\n
The beaver kits were born in the Glen Affric area, around 15 miles from Loch Ness, following a joint re-introduction project by Trees for Life and Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS).<\/p>\n
They were spotted at Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in the glen, and are reportedly in good health.<\/p>\n
Experts from Trees for Life and FLS estimate the duo were born in either May or June.<\/p>\n
Tobias Leask, a beaver management officer for Trees for Life, said: \u201cThese beaver kits symbolise a wildlife success story four centuries in the making, and how nature can recover when we give it a chance.<\/p>\n
A beaver being released at Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands. Credit: PA<\/p>\n
\u201cSeeing them for the first time is something I\u2019ll never forget. It was one of those rare moments when you realise you\u2019re witnessing history.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese young animals represent the first generation of beavers that will help shape Glen Affric\u2019s future \u2013 creating wetlands that support countless other species, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a wonderful milestone for everyone involved in the project.\u201d<\/p>\n
The births come after a family of five beavers and a beaver pair were released at the two sites in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in October 2025, with another four released in February.<\/p>\n
Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at Beaver Trust, said: \u201cThe arrival of these kits is a very encouraging indication that the beavers have settled well into their new surroundings and are establishing themselves as a healthy, breeding population.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery reintroduction requires careful planning and close monitoring after release, so it is hugely rewarding to see the animals adapting so successfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis achievement reflects the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved and provides further evidence that well-managed translocations can support the responsible restoration of beavers across Scotland in line with the Scottish Government\u2019s National Beaver Strategy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eurasian beavers were previously hunted to extinction in Scotland at some point in the 16th century, and were reintroduced in 2009.<\/p>\n