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Beavers back in Cairngorms after 400 years
“This is a momentous day for the Cairngorms National Park and indeed for conservation in Scotland” – Sandy Bremner.
Two pairs have been translocated under licence.

Beavers are now living in the Cairngorms, Scotland, for the first time in around 400 years, after two pairs were released on 18 December as part of conservation efforts.

One of the pairs was released on Rothiemurchus, the other on land owned by Wildland Cairngorms. Both sites are within the catchment of the River Spey.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority oversaw the releases, working alongside local land managers and the Beaver Trust.

The beavers were translocated from the Tay catchment. Before they were released, they underwent veterinary screening at Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian to ensure they were in good health.

The project has been granted five-year licence from NatureScot to release up to 15 beaver families in the Cairngorms. The Park Authority’s beaver officer and ranger service will monitor water levels, and track the beavers using camera traps and mapping field signs of beaver activity.

The release was preceded by a six-week consultation with local stakeholders and members of the public. More than two thirds of respondents were strongly in favour of beavers returning to the Cairngorms National Park, although some local farmers and landowners did raise concerns about potential damage to property and crops.

Sandy Bremner, convener of the Cairngorms National Park Authority board, said: “This is a momentous day for the Cairngorms National Park and indeed for conservation in Scotland.

“Returning a lost species after an absence of over 400 years could only have been achieved by working closely with our partners – so thank you to everyone who has been involved, particularly the Cairngorms Beaver Group and local farmers, crofters and landowners.

“We believe that beavers will bring significant benefits to the National Park, both environmentally and economically, but we also understand that their impacts will need to be monitored carefully and, where necessary, addressed quickly and effectively.

“We will continue to work closely with people who own and work neighbouring land to ensure a robust monitoring and mitigation plan that maximises benefits and minimises negative impacts.”

Image © Shutterstock

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.