Freedom of Information Requests - Beaver Dam Notching and Data Collection
Date: 21 July 2025
Our ref: SIR180680/A5279185
Information Request – Beaver Dam Notching and Data Collection
Your Request
I recently watched an episode of Landward originally aired on 8:30pm 22 May 2025 that referenced NatureScot's decision to allow notching of beaver dams in Argyll's Knapdale. As a scientist, I am interested in the data you are using.
I would like to understand what data NatureScot is using to make decisions regarding beaver dam notching in Knapdale:
- please provide me with all the data that NatureScot used to make the decision to notch beaver dams in Knapdale. I am expecting this to include site specific longitudinal data on trout movement, spawning and density to indicate what impact the beaver dams were having prior to dam construction, post- dam construction and post- dam notching.
- I also request to see the data monitoring plan that Nature Scot has in place to evaluate the effect that current notching has on: a) trout movement and spawning; b) other protected species in the wetland created by the beavers; c) the beavers at the specific sites where notching has taken place.
Our Response
The site featured on Landward is on the edge of the Scottish Beaver Trial (SBT) area in Knapdale, with some fish monitoring reported in The Scottish Beaver Trial Fish monitoring 2008-2013 final report.
You have also requested data from this specific site in relation to beavers, sea trout and other protected species prior to and post damming and licenced intervention.
We would note that such data rarely exists to inform the licencing decisions that NatureScot routinely needs to make. NatureScot applies the European Species licensing tests based on the information we have available and assessing the risks to the protected species and the affected interests. In this case, NatureScot commissioned an assessment of the dam pass-ability and sought the views of the Argyll Fisheries Trust that had conducted fish monitoring at Knapdale during the Scottish Beaver Trial. As a result of which our specialists considered there to be uncertainty about the pass-ability of some dams for sea trout about which there are significant concerns for their conservation status.
Consequently, it was proposed to trial some mitigation (dam notching and deepening of by-pass channels) and initiate some monitoring here in partnership with the Argyll Fisheries Trust with a view to enabling beaver and sea trout co-existence. We are hoping to learn more about the impact of beaver dams on sea trout movements and habitats and on the effectiveness of mitigations at this site.
We have also provided copies of the following reports:
- The initial assessment by Beaver Trust commissioned by NatureScot – Beaver – Knapdale – Loch Coillie Bharr to Faery isles outflow bever dams and impacts on sea trout – report from the Beaver Trust – July 2024
- The plans for site mitigation and monitoring in Partnership with Argyll Fisheries Trust - Statement of Requirements – Beaver dams and sea trout Knapdate – draft – September 2024
- Report from Argyll Fisheries Trust from the first year of monitoring – Coillie Bhar Fish & Habitat Survey 2024 – Draft
We have redacted out personal data because releasing this information could breach the Data Protection Act 2018, we have applied the following exemption under the EIRs 11(2) (Personal Data).
We have also redacted out information relating to the location of beavers and their dams. Releasing this information could increase the risk of intentional or reckless disturbance to the beavers’ breeding sites or their dams. We do not believe it is in the public interest to release information that might enable disturbance to the beavers. We have therefore applied EIRs Regulation 10(5)(g) (Protection of the environment) to this information.
How We Handled Your Request
We believe you have asked for environmental information as defined in the Environmental Information (Scotland Regulations 2004 (‘the EIRs’), so we are dealing with your request under those regulations. To be able to use the EIRs, we must apply an exemption under section 39(2) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (‘FOISA’). The Scottish Information Commissioner’s guidance recommends that public authorities apply this exemption to environmental information and handle request under the EIRs.
If you would like to find out more about the access to information legislation, there is a guidance booklet available on the Scottish Information Commissioner’s website.
Review and Appeal
I hope this information meets your requirements, but if you are dissatisfied with how we have responded to your information request, please write to us within 40 working days explaining your concerns. You can contact us at Battleby, Redgorton, Perth, PH1 3EW or email us at [email protected]. We will carry out a review of our response and contact you with our findings within 20 working days.
If you are not satisfied following this, you can make an appeal to the Scottish Information Commissioner within 6 months. The Scottish Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9DS
Telephone: 01334 464610
Yours sincerely
FOI Officer,
NatureScot
Document downloads
Due to accessibility issues the attached information, referenced above, is available on request by contacting the FOI team at [email protected]. Please reference the case number (starting with SIR).
