Beaver Translocation Consultation - River Beauly Catchment Habitats Regulation Appraisal (HRA) of Possible Beaver Translocations in Scotland

Qualifying features

• Green shield-moss (Buxbaumia viridis)

Conservation objectives

The conservation objectives for Moniack Gorge SAC can be found in full in the Conservation Advice Package along with other information about the site.  The key elements to consider are as follows:

2. To ensure that the integrity of Moniack Gorge SAC is maintained by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for the qualifying feature

2a. Maintain the population of the species as a viable component of the site

2b. Maintain the distribution of the species throughout the site

2c. Maintain the habitats supporting the species within the site

Appraisal

Green shield-moss is a scarce moss that has a restricted distribution within Scotland and is not found in the rest of the UK. First found at Moniack in 1961, this is the oldest extant population of green shield moss in Scotland.

Across most of its Scottish sites, this species has been associated with humid woodlands, often close to fast-flowing rivers, and associated with decorticated deadwood (deadwood where the bark is removed). This deadwood is generally of a damp and rotted state to a softness where it can be pierced by a fingernail, though it can be found on other substrates.  The site at Moniack is of an ideal humidity for this species (along with an interesting humidity-loving bryophyte and lichen assemblage). The woodland also has a number of very large logs in various stages of decay, which are a favoured habitat by the moss.

As ecosystem engineers, there are a number of ways in which beavers will affect the habitats and microhabitats around them. In particular, green shield-moss could be disrupted by changes to canopy cover, which maintains the stability and humidity of the habitat, through tree felling. Damming may also change air moisture associated with the speed of water courses, and flooding. Beavers may also affect the amount of deadwood in an area, though green shield-moss seems to prefer logs that have (or have had) a diameter over 0.2m, which are larger than the average beaver cut log.

Moniack Gorge is an extremely steep sided site with a fast flowing burn, with a small border of flat land next to the water course. Given the terrain of this site, it seems unlikely that beavers will be able to settle, dam, or fell enough trees to have any real effect on the areas where green shield moss is found. In addition to this, the majority of the trees in Moniack Gorge are conifers or beech, which are not preferred beaver food sources, though there is some hazel (which, while mostly unsuitable for green shield moss, is important to lichen graphidion communities).

Green shield-moss was found to be in a favourable condition when last monitored at Moniack Gorge SAC in 2006.  A site check in 2023 confirmed the continued presence of suitable habitat for this species across the gorge slopes, as well as recording a single plant on a log in the river. Consideration of the potential effect of beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment on the conservation objectives for green shield-moss is given below: 

2. To ensure that the integrity of Moniack Gorge SAC is maintained by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for the qualifying feature

2a. Maintain the population of the species as a viable component of the site

As noted above it is unlikely due to terrain and woodland species composition that beavers will have any impact on the existing population of the site. Most of the population is on the steep slopes of the gorge, and there is enough deadwood on these slopes to allow the population to relocate to new logs as the current become over-rotted and unsuitable, and to expand populations naturally.

2b. Maintain the distribution of the species throughout the site

It is unlikely due to terrain that beavers will be able to affect the habitat that hosts green shield-moss, as the water course only has a small border of flat land before the steep gorge slope begins. Most of the existing dead wood is up the slope, as are most of the large trees suitable for beaver felling (whose canopy maintains the humidity of the site). While the last site visit did find a log supporting green shield moss in the watercourse itself, beavers are unlikely to be interested in semi-rotten deadwood. Therefore, the Extent of Occurrence (EOO) at this site is unlikely to be affected.

2c. Maintain the habitats supporting the species within the site

It is unlikely that due to species composition of the site that beavers will fell enough trees to affect the humidity of this site in a way that is important to the green shield-moss. As there are no places that appear suitable to dam, it is unlikely flooding or changes to speed of the watercourse will occur in this site. It is also unlikely that beavers will stay long enough to fell trees to create deadwood of a suitable diameter for green shield moss.

Conclusion

Based on the appraisal above it can be concluded that beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment will not undermine the conservation objectives for green shield-moss at Moniack Gorge SAC and will not adversely affect the integrity of the SAC. 

Qualifying features

• Subtidal sandbanks
• Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)

Conservation objectives

The conservation objectives for the Moray Firth SAC can be found in full in the Conservation and Management Advice document along with other information about the site. 

Appraisal

Although the Moray Firth SAC overlaps with the River Beauly catchment there is considered to be no ecological connectivity between beavers and the qualifying features of the SAC. The conservation objectives of the site will therefore not be undermined by any proposals to translocate beaver to the River Beauly catchment and it can be concluded that any such proposals will not adversely affect the integrity of the SAC.

Qualifying features

• Clear-water lakes or lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient levels
• Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath
• Dry heaths
• Alpine and subalpine heaths
• Mountain willow scrub
• Montane acid grasslands
• Tall herb communities
• Blanket bog*
• Acidic scree
• Plants in crevices on acid rocks
• Plants in crevices on base-rich rocks
• Caledonian forest*
• Bog woodland*
• Otter (Lutra lutra)

*Denotes a Habitats Directive priority habitat

Conservation objectives

The conservation objectives for Strathglass Complex SAC can be found in full in the Conservation Advice Package along with other information about the site.  The key elements to consider are as follows:

To ensure that the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC is restored by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature.

Clear-water lakes or lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient levels

2a. Maintain the extent and distribution of the habitat within the site

2b. Maintain the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat

2c. Maintain the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

Blanket bog

2a. Maintain the extent and distribution of blanket bog within the site

2b. Restore the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat

2c. Restore the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

Otter (Lutra lutra)

2a. Maintain the population of the species as a viable component of the site

2b. Maintain the distribution of the species throughout the site

2c. Maintain the habitats supporting the species within the site and availability of food

Caledonian forest

2a. Restore the extent and distribution of the habitat within the site

2b. Restore the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat

2c. Restore the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

Bog woodland

2a. Maintain the extent and distribution of the habitat(s) within the site

2b. Maintain the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat(s)

2c. Maintain the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

Appraisal

Although Strathglass Complex SAC overlaps with the River Beauly catchment there is considered to be no ecological connectivity between beavers and several of the qualifying features of the SAC. These features are Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath, Dry heaths, Alpine and subalpine heaths, Mountain willow scrub, Montane acid grasslands, Tall herb communities, Acidic scree, Plants in crevices on acid rocks and Plants in crevices on base-rich rocks. These features are therefore not considered any further as their conservation objectives will not be undermined. 

Blanket bog

Blanket bog was considered to be in unfavourable recovering condition at this site when last assessed through NatureScot’s site condition monitoring programme in 2016.  This was due to overgrazing and trampling by red deer.  Any beaver translocations should not prevent the ability of the feature to be restored.  The conservation objectives for the feature are as follows:    

To ensure that the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC is restored by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature.

2a. Maintain the extent and distribution of blanket bog within the site

2b. Restore the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat

2c. Restore the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

As advised in the 2017 Beaver HRA, blanket bogs are unlikely to be significantly affected by beavers although beavers have been known to temporarily visit such habitats on occasion.  The characteristic vegetation of blanket bog is supported by waterlogged peat soils. Blanket bogs are found on gently sloping locations, in upland areas which are largely treeless (any trees near to blanket bog are mainly coniferous – which are not favoured by beavers).  They will not build dams in such areas.  They are at best marginal habitats for beavers who may feed on some of the vegetation present.  However, such a type of effect and the very small scale of it means that the conservation objectives for this feature will not be undermined. 

Clear-water lakes or lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient levels

This feature was assessed as being in favourable condition when last assessed through NatureScot’s site condition monitoring programme in 2004. This habitat type comprises both oligotrophic (nutrient-poor) and mesotrophic (moderate nutrient levels) waters, and more rarely may include intergrading types. The dominant substrates of both oligotrophic and mesotrophic waters are silt, sand, gravel, stones and boulders. The clear soft water, which characterises this habitat type contains low to moderate levels of plant nutrients and supports characteristic assemblages of plant species. The vegetation community is characterised by amphibious short perennial vegetation, the marginal components of which can be exposed on the loch shores during summer.

The Affric-Beauly hydro-electric power scheme runs through Glen Strathfarrar and Glen Cannich, with dams at Loch Monar, Loch Mullardoch, Loch Beannacharan and Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin. Although this hydro scheme predates designation of the SAC, changes to the hydro regime can affect water levels throughout both Glens. As such, open water levels have the potential to fluctuate. Sediment loading is not thought to be an issue due to the fact that the income flow is only compensation flow.

Beaver could potentially affect this feature of the SAC through changes to water levels caused by beaver damming activity and through changes to the characteristic plant communities.  The implications for each of the conservation objectives is considered below:

To ensure that the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC is restored by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature.

2a. Maintain the extent and distribution of the habitat within the site

The JNCC data sheet gives an estimated area of 80.21 ha for this feature within the SAC.  There are 18 low alkalinity standing water bodies larger than 1ha listed on the UK lakes portal within the Strathglass Complex SAC with a combined area of 112ha, the largest being Loch a' Mhuillidh at 42ha.  Some of these water bodies are found in areas with potential woodland habitat for beavers.

It is unlikely that any lochs will be lost completely. However, for smaller lochs, of around less than 5ha, damming of outflows or inflows may result in significant level changes as happened on one loch in the beaver trial. Level changes if not reversed may lead to changes in the marginal vegetation and potentially through modification of the photic zone submerged plants. Larger lochs are unlikely to be affected as the impacts on hydrology are reduced by scale. It requires a larger volume of water to raise the level of the loch so effects upon marginal vegetation are less likely. The higher hydrostatic head also makes damming of outflows less likely. Some waterbodies are also likely to be in relatively un-afforested areas where damming is unlikely or at higher altitude which may be less attractive to colonisation.

It would be possible to ensure no adverse effect on the extent and distribution of the habitat by monitoring the location of beaver dams within the SAC through a programme of site checks to support standard site monitoring, and managing water flows and removing any dams where potential impacts affecting the conservation objective are identified.  The aim of the checks would be to identify sites where beavers were having a significant effect on the listed feature. Annual checks would avoid any impact however longer intervals between formal checks could apply to areas that are more visible to casual inspection or where the habitat is considered more robust such as lochs with little fringing vegetation. 

2b. Maintain the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat

As above larger loch are unlikely to be adversely impacted. For the smaller waterbodies a network of dams on the feeder streams may increase the extent of freshwater habitat. Beavers do not generally dam in water bodies more than 0.85m deep and 6m wide. Any dam-building on the lochs is therefore likely to be restricted to outflow and inflow streams. The presence of a beaver dam on the outflow would probably reduce the existing water level fluctuation and may increase levels within the loch. This may affect the extent and composition of the edge vegetation and in extreme cases the submerged vegetation in the photic zone. However impacts are unlikely to be irreversible.  It would be possible to ensure no adverse effect on the structure function and supporting processes of the habitat: by monitoring the location of beaver dams within the SAC through a programme of site checks to support standard site monitoring, and managing water flows and removing any dams where potential impacts affecting the conservation objective are identified.  The aim of the checks would be to identify sites where beavers were having a significant effect on the listed feature. Annual checks would avoid any impact however longer intervals between formal checks could apply to areas that are more visible to casual inspection or where the habitat is considered more robust such as lochs with little fringing vegetation.

2c. Maintain the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

The vegetation associated with H3130 may be sensitive to changes to water level which can affect the fringing vegetation. Land can be dried out or inundated as the levels fall or rise. The shallower the depth profile and the flatter the surrounding land, the more pronounced the effects because of the gradient. However, fringing vegetation is adapted to deal with seasonal and event-related changes to water levels. Furthermore, damming would not be able to create changes in the loch level which are immediately beyond the vegetation’s ability to adapt. It may create more extensive areas of wetland surrounding the loch. Any changes to the typical species are not likely to be irreversible.

Beavers will feed on a wide range of plant species including submerged and emergent macrophytes. The Knapdale study found that there were no apparent adverse effects on the submerged plant assemblages that form part of the basis for designation of the Taynish and Knapdale Woods SAC. The greatest effects from the Knapdale study were on plant cover with species richness being little affected. The preferred species at Knapdale were all rhizomatous. A study by Jones 2006* using enclosures to study the effect of herbivory found no discernable impact on P. natans, the dominant macrophyte.

Changes are likely to be to the sward structure and local distribution of some species if beaver colonise these lochs. The greatest impacts at Knapdale were found where multiple animals were in occupancy for more than one season.

It would be possible to ensure no adverse effect on the distribution and viability of the typical species of the habitat by monitoring the location of beaver dams within the SAC through a programme of site checks to support standard site monitoring, and managing water flows and removing any dams where potential impacts affecting the conservation objective are identified.  The aim of the checks would be to identify sites where beavers were having a significant effect on the listed feature. Annual checks would avoid any impact however longer intervals between formal checks could apply to areas that are more visible to casual inspection or where the habitat is considered more robust such as lochs with little fringing vegetation.

Damming of inflows may result in the reduction of silt and finer sediments flowing into the lochs. This would reduce the nutrient inputs which would normally be considered positive. The overall loading of phosphorus will not be increased by the trapping of silt. However silt from failed abandoned dams may be remobilised by storm events when flushing rates will be relatively high. In some circumstances the wetting up of drier areas may result in a release of nutrients. The precise effects upon water chemistry will vary from site to site and may be complex. They are likely to be of a scale similar or less than other impacts which are monitored through Site Condition Monitoring. No additional monitoring is therefore required but mitigation including dam modification and the removal of dams or if necessary beavers may be required to avoid impacts in a very small number of cases.

Conclusion

It cannot be ascertained that any proposed introduction of beaver to the catchment will not undermine the conservation objectives for clear water lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient levels feature of the SAC without mitigation in place.  Any impacts are likely to be small scale and reversible using dam removal or modification techniques used elsewhere. Any potential adverse impacts from beaver colonisation could be prevented by having a mitigation plan in place, including a programme of site checks to support Site Condition Monitoring, to identify those impacts before they had an adverse effect on site integrity.  Mitigation is likely to include the use of flow control devices to manage dams, the removal of dams, or if necessary beavers.

Otter (Lutra lutra)

Otter could potentially be impacted by beavers through their grazing activities and also by altering of water levels.  However information from Europe indicates that the presence of beaver does not appear to be detrimental to otter, and indeed may be beneficial (see section 18.6 of the 2017 Beaver HRA).  The Eurasian beaver is a natural component of freshwater ecosystems in Europe, and beaver and otter are often recorded in the same areas. 

Otter were assessed as being in favourable condition at Strathglass Complex SAC during the last Site Condition Monitoring in 2012.  The implications for each of the conservation objectives is considered below:

To ensure that the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC is restored by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature.

2a. Maintain the population of the species as a viable component of the site

Eurasian beavers and otters do not compete directly for resources. The otter is a predatory species, and the beaver is herbivorous. Otter and beaver territories will overlap. There are occasional records of otter predation on beaver.

As outlined above information from Europe indicates that the presence of beavers does not appear to be detrimental to otters, and indeed may be beneficial. This is supported by the findings of the monitoring undertaken during the Scottish Beaver Trial (Harrington et al, 2015). This is believed to be linked to the habitats that are created where beavers have been active, such as ponds, localised wetland areas etc., which are also good quality habitat for otters and otter prey.

There will therefore be no adverse impact on the population of the species as a viable component of the site.

2b. Maintain the distribution of the species throughout the site

As described above, European information and the results of the Scottish Beaver Trial monitoring programme conclude that the presence of beavers will not affect otter distribution adversely. It is possible that an increase in wetland habitat may result in some localised increases in the overall area where otters are most likely to actively forage. However, beaver dams may sometimes have adverse impacts on migratory fish species which are one of the many prey species for otter. There is potential, therefore, for consequent localised impacts on otters and therefore this conservation objective could be undermined. 

2c. Maintain the habitats supporting the species within the site and availability of food

Beaver activities can result in increased wetland habitat suitable for amphibians and some localised changes to fish populations. Amphibians may be an important seasonal source of prey for otter populations.  A net benefit to otters, in terms of provision of foraging habitat, is expected as a result of beaver activities. 

Conclusion

The above appraisal suggests that the conservation objectives for the otter feature of the Strathglass Complex SAC will not be undermined by any beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment, and it will not adversely affect the integrity of the SAC through impacts to otter provided the following mitigation condition is put in place.  

Where beaver dams are constructed that impede the movement of migratory fish to such a degree that there might be an adverse effect on site integrity via impacts to otter, all appropriate mitigation measures to facilitate fish passage are put in place to avoid this. This mitigation will be informed by monitoring of beaver presence and the likelihood of beaver damming.   Hence where beavers are established, it is proposed to carry out surveillance for the presence of dams in key locations at the critical times of year for the spring (smolts) and autumn runs (adults) to locate any beaver dams. Where dams are identified, they would be assessed for passability and, where necessary, agreed dam removal/notching criteria implemented under licence. Removal of dams that are less than two weeks old can take place at any time without a licence from NatureScot.  As greater knowledge of beaver and fish interactions is acquired through actions in the Scottish Beaver Strategy the need for ongoing monitoring can be reviewed.   

Woodland

As outlined in the 2017 Beaver HRA the main factor causing unfavourable condition in Scottish woodlands is grazing / browsing pressure from herbivores (largely deer and sheep).  At present, saplings can be considered ‘safe’ from further browsing once they get to a certain size (the specific size varies with the species).  However, since beavers are able to fell quite large trees, this will no longer be the case in areas colonised by beavers for a reasonable length of time.  In the absence of natural regeneration from seed, continuation of woodland will depend on coppice regrowth from the felled stumps or suckering from roots.  Whilst all native Scottish broadleaves are able to coppice or sucker to some extent, if the regrowth is subsequently eaten by deer, sheep, or other large herbivores, there could be a simplification in the structure of the woodland, and possibly loss or deterioration of the woodland habitat.

Where grazing/ browsing are within target levels within these SACs, changes in structure are more likely than a deterioration of structure.  It is not possible to be absolutely precise about what this will involve because it depends upon many factors and will vary from site to site; but it is likely to include an increase in young tree growth from coppicing, and changes in deadwood volume - either an increase if beavers leave it lying around, or a decrease if they remove it for food or dam construction. However, where woodland is already in unfavourable condition because of grazing/ browsing levels, it is probable that a further decline in condition (structure and extent) will occur in areas used by beavers, as they fell trees that are then unable to regenerate.

The Knapdale Beaver Trial monitoring suggested that beavers generally occurred within 20m of water-bodies, but rarely up to 50m SNH, 2015), so loss of habitat and decline in condition is likely to be confined to a small proportion of most sites, although this will be particularly problematic for riparian and wet woodland communities, where severe declines are possible.

Caledonian forest

This feature of Strathglass Complex SAC was found to be in unfavourable condition when last monitored in 2011 due to overgrazing by herbivores.  Any beaver translocations should not prevent the ability of the feature to be restored.  The implications for each of the conservation objectives is considered below:    

To ensure that the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC is restored by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature.

2a. Restore the extent and distribution of the habitat within the site

No impact expected.  Beaver generally avoid pine and, although broadleaved species are an important component of Caledonian forest, they do not comprise a large enough proportion for impacts to affect the area.

2b. Restore the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat

Changes in structure of the broadleaved component in the immediate vicinity of rivers is possible due to beaver foraging and dam building, although any potential impacts would only be considered adverse if their regeneration is impeded or restricted, e.g. due to excessive pressure from other herbivores. 

Herbivore impact varies across the site; Glen Affric SSSI is in favourable condition, whilst the other component SSSIs are unfavourable due to over-grazing, and regeneration of broadleaves after beaver felling will be restricted in these areas.  Attention to deer management across the site will be an important element of avoiding an adverse effect on site integrity if beaver create territories in this area.

Short, medium or long-term changes in the vegetative structure, and/or hydrology of areas in the immediate vicinity of rivers, is likely to increase the dynamism of woodland processes.  Provided regeneration is able to take place, this is likely to increase the overall conservation value of the site (for example, by increasing the amount of standing dead wood resulting from flooding, thereby increasing habitat for dead wood ‘typical species’). Such changes would be compatible with this conservation objective and do not undermine it.

2c. Restore the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

Depends on the precise nature of changes, but generally likely to be positive provided regeneration of affected trees and shrubs is able to take place.

Conclusion

The above appraisal suggests that the conservation objectives for the Caledonian forest feature of the Strathglass Complex SAC could potentially be undermined by beaver translocation to the River Beauly catchment without any appropriate management measures to mitigate impacts being in place.  Impacts are possible in areas of qualifying habitat likely to be used by beavers (i.e. generally within 20m of water-bodies, but rarely up to 50m (SNH, 2015)), as a result of the cumulative impacts of beavers and other herbivores on the broadleaved component of the site. This would occur if beavers fell trees and / or shrubs, and other herbivores then prevent the natural regeneration of those trees through browsing.   

However if beavers begin to colonise the SAC, impacts could be monitored using the Woodland Herbivore Impact Assessment (WHIA) methodology and incorporating monitoring of beaver signs.  The methods allow for some heterogeneity, but generally ‘low’ impacts are desirable for woodland restoration, although it is recognised they are not currently “low” in much of the SAC. Where herbivore impacts are already too high, the woodland will already be in an unfavourable condition. Beaver presence could exacerbate this – but management of other herbivores may allow any beaver coppiced trees to regenerate. Herbivore management in the case of wild deer and goats is generally by a deer/herbivore management plan, and of livestock via consents and management agreements. For beavers, licenced intervention could be considered where there is serious risk of damage to a conservation interest, but proactive mitigation in the form of selective tree protection is more likely, but is unlikely to be appropriate on a large scale. Hence the focus would be on ensuring the impact of other herbivores is sufficiently low to allow beaver presence.  Annual site checks are necessary to ensure appropriate levels of herbivore impacts are maintained where beavers are present.

With the appropriate monitoring and herbivore management in place it would be possible to ensure that any translocations of beaver into the River Beauly catchment would not undermine the conservation objectives of the Caledonian forest feature of the Strathglass Complex SAC and would not adversely affect the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC through impacts to Caledonian forest.

Bog woodland

The conservation objectives for the feature are as follows:    

To ensure that the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC is restored by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c for each qualifying feature.

2a. Maintain the extent and distribution of the habitat(s) within the site

2b. Maintain the structure, function and supporting processes of the habitat(s)

2c. Maintain the distribution and viability of typical species of the habitat

Bog woodland was found to be in favourable condition when assessed through NatureScot’s site condition monitoring programme in 2017.  It is limited in extent and found in pockets scattered throughout the pinewood areas of the site.  Beavers generally avoid felling pine trees, and other tree species form only a tiny component of bog woodland.  Therefore there is an extremely limited ability for beavers to impact on the bog woodland qualifier in any way that might undermine the conservation objectives. 

It is therefore concluded that the proposal to release beaver into the River Beauly catchment will not adversely affect the integrity of Strathglass Complex SAC through impacts to bog woodland.

Qualifying features

• Great northern diver (Gavia immer)
• Red-throated diver (Gavia stellata)
• Slavonian grebe (Podiceps auritus)
• Scaup (Aythya marila)
• Eider (Somateria mollissima mollissima)
• Long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis)
• Common scoter (Melanitta nigra)
• Velvet scoter (Melanitta fusca)
• Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
• Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator)
• Shag (Gulosus aristotelis)

Conservation objectives

The conservation objectives for the Moray Firth SPA can be found in full in the Conservation and Management Advice document along with other information about the site. 

Appraisal

Although the Moray Firth SPA overlaps with the River Beauly catchment there is considered to be no ecological connectivity between beavers and the qualifying features of the SPA. The conservation objectives of the site will therefore not be undermined by any proposals to translocate beaver to the River Beauly catchment and it can be concluded that any such proposals will not adversely affect the integrity of the SPA.

Qualifying features

• Bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica)
• Common tern (Sterna hirundo)
• Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)*
• Curlew (Numenius arquata)*
• Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)*
• Goosander (Mergus merganser) *
• Greylag goose (Anser anser)
• Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
• Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)*
• Red-breasted merganser (Mergus serrator)
• Redshank (Tringa totanus)
• Scaup (Aythya marila)*
• Teal (Anas crecca)*
• Wigeon (Anas penelope)*
• Waterfowl assemblage

* Indicates assemblage qualifier only

Conservation objectives

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

• Population of the species as a viable component of the site
• Distribution of the species within site
• Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
• Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
• No significant disturbance of the species

Appraisal

Although the Inner Moray Firth SPA overlaps with the River Beauly catchment there is considered to be no ecological connectivity between beavers and the majority of qualifying features of the SPA. These features are therefore not considered any further as their conservation objectives will not be undermined.  Only greylag goose could potentially be impacted and is considered further here. 

Greylag goose (Anser anser)

Greylag geese at this site were last assessed through NatureScot’s Site Condition Monitoring programme in 2001 and were found to be in favourable condition.  An appraisal against each of the conservation objectives follows.

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

Population of the species as a viable component of the site

Distribution of the species within site

Greylag geese roost either on the water or on the saltmarshes and mudflats within the SPA.  They will also use the saltmarsh habitat for feeding although primarily feed on agricultural land outwith the SPA. There is only a small area of potential beaver habitat within the Inner Moray Firth SPA but this would be unsuitable habitat for geese.  Any beaver activity would be unlikely to affect the habitat used by geese within the SPA and therefore the distribution of the species within the site will not be affected. 

Availability of foraging areas on agricultural land outwith the SPA is not regarded as a limiting factor for the SPA population of Icelandic greylag geese and any small losses of arable land resulting from beaver activity are unlikely to affect the geese. The population of geese as a viable component of the site will therefore be maintained. 

Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species

As noted above, any beaver activity would be unlikely to affect the habitat used by geese within the SPA.  These conservation objectives will therefore not be undermined by any proposals to translocate beaver to the River Beauly catchment.

No significant disturbance of the species

As noted above, there is only a small area of potential beaver habitat within the Inner Moray Firth SPA and this would be unsuitable habitat for geese.  Any beaver activity would be unlikely to affect the habitat used by geese within the SPA and would be unlikely to cause any disturbance to the population. 

Conclusion

It can therefore be concluded that beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment will not undermine the conservation objectives of greylag geese and will not adversely affect the integrity of the Inner Moray Firth SPA. 

Qualifying feature

• Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Conservation objectives

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained; and

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

• Population of the species as a viable component of the site
• Distribution of the species within site
• Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
• Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
• No significant disturbance of the species      

Appraisal

The Glen Affric to Strathconon SPA stretches over 50,419 ha.  Potential beaver woodland habitat (as detailed in Annex B of the 2017 beaver HRA) makes up just over 602 ha of this.  Although eagles will hunt in open canopy woodland cover they are primarily foraging beyond the ‘beaver zone’ around water bodies.  There is therefore very limited connectivity between beaver and golden eagle due to their feeding and nesting habits and the conservation objectives for the site will not be undermined.  It can therefore be concluded that beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment will not adversely affect the integrity of the Glen Affric to Strathconon SPA. 

Qualifying features

• Black-throated diver (Gavia arctica)
• Common scoter (Melanitta nigra)

Conservation objectives

To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site in maintained; and

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

• Population of the species as a viable component of the site
• Distribution of the species within site
• Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
• Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
• No significant disturbance of the species

Appraisal

West Inverness-shire Lochs SPA consists of Lochs Affric, Cluanie, Loyne (including Lochan Bad an Losguinn), Garry (including Loch Poulary), Lundie and Blair. For the most part, the site includes the habitats ten metres landward of the lochs’ shorelines.  West Inverness-shire Lochs SPA falls partly within the River Beauly catchment and partly within the River Ness catchment.  Of the component lochs only Loch Affric lies within the River Beauly catchment. 

Black-throated diver (Gavia arctica)

Black-throated diver at this site were last assessed through NatureScot’s Site Condition Monitoring programme in 2010 and were found to be in favourable condition.  The implications for each of the conservation objectives is considered below:

Population of the species as a viable component of the site

Distribution of the species within the site

Four of the largest lochs in the SPA have significant woodland habitat around them that would be attractive to colonising beavers.  However, three (Cluanie, Garry & Loyne) are all part of hydro-electric generating schemes and the presence of beaver will have no impact on loch water levels or fluctuations in water levels which are the main factors that would affect black-throated diver breeding success. They also lie outwith the River Beauly catchment.  The level of Loch Affric is not controlled and can be subject to natural water level changes.  However, it seems unlikely that beavers would be able to dam the very large outlet burn and impact the overall level of the Loch (beaver dams are generally built across stretches of water that are less than 6m wide (SNH, 2015)).  More likely is damming activity on some of the smaller burns entering the loch creating shoreline inundations.  This is unlikely to affect any suitable breeding sites and may in fact help control natural water level changes by reducing the kind of spate flows into the Loch that can lead to sudden in-season flooding events that could wash out diver nests.  It may also provide increased food availability by producing areas with increased amounts of macrophyte vegetation and their associated invertebrate and fish faunas.   The remaining two lochs (Blair & Lundie) lie outwith the River Beauly catchment and have no woodland cover and very limited and isolated woodland cover respectively. 

Any beaver activity resulting from beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment would therefore be unlikely to undermine the black-throated diver conservation objectives to maintain the population as a viable component of the site and to maintain their distribution within the site. 

Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

The only physical impact the beavers would have on the lochs would be by raising the water level by damming the outfalls. This is impossible on the three large ‘hydro’ lochs and unlikely on the remaining three lochs (of which only Loch Affric lies within the River Beauly catchment).

Damming activity on some of the smaller burns entering Loch Affric could potentially create shoreline inundations.  However as noted above these may help control natural water level changes by reducing the kind of spate flows into the Loch that can lead to sudden in-season flooding events that could wash out diver nests.  They may also provide increased food availability by producing areas with increased amounts of macrophyte vegetation and their associated invertebrate and fish faunas.

Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species

The habitats supporting the breeding divers at the loch are the loch itself, water level and the prey fish.  Beavers are unlikely to have an adverse impact on any of these.

No significant disturbance of the species

Disturbance directly related to the presence of beavers is very unlikely.

Conclusion

It can therefore be concluded that beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment will not undermine the conservation objectives for black-throated diver and will not adversely affect the integrity of the site for this feature.

Common scoter (Melanitta nigra)

Common scoter at this site were last assessed through NatureScot’s Site Condition Monitoring programme in 2018 and were found to be in unfavourable declining condition.  Any beaver translocations should not prevent the ability of the feature to be restored.  The implications for each of the conservation objectives is considered below:

To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:

Population of the species as a viable component of the site

Distribution of the species within the site

The West Inverness-shire Lochs SPA is used as a breeding and feeding site by common scoter. The SPA boundary only includes a narrow strip of terrestrial habitats around the lochs.  Common scoter can nest in heathland up to 350m from the shoreline, although nests on islands can be far closer to the shore.    A review of areas used by common scoter for nesting has found that these will not be affected by beaver translocations to the river Beauly catchment.  The population of common scoter as a viable component of the site and distribution of common scoter within the SPA will therefore not be undermined by beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment. 

Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species

Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species

As noted above, common scoter nesting habitat will not be affected by beaver activity.  Tree removal and shoreline inundations might increase the amount of macrophyte and invertebrate rich shallow water foraging habitat within the SPA. 

No significant disturbance of the species

Disturbance directly related to the presence of beavers is very unlikely.

Conclusion

It can therefore be concluded that beaver translocations to the River Beauly catchment will not undermine the conservation objectives for common scoter and will not adversely affect the integrity of the site for this feature.