SBAG Scottish Beaver Advisory Group Meeting - 22 AUGUST 2024

Welcome and introductions

The Chair opened the meeting by welcoming attendees.  Aileen Mills and Chair of the Research and Innovation sub-group was welcomed as attending for the first time.

To note Linsey Mason-Maclean replaces Juli Titherington as Scottish Forestry representative but gave her apologies for this meeting. An alternative representative is requested to be sought from CREW or RRC to attend and contribute to represent Fisheries and Water interests as per the ToR.

Minutes of previous meeting – 25 April 2024

No comments raised on previous minutes -accepted for web publication.

Action points and matters arising

AP 6:  NatureScot to review the sub-group ToRs to ensure consistency. NatureScot advised that all the ToRs had been reviewed with recommendations for minor changes for consistency. Ongoing. To be completed for the next meeting.

AP 7:  SBAG to approve the sub-groups ToR. Ensure SBAG content with all the ToRs. Ongoing. To be completed for the next meeting.

All to Refer to Sub-Group with amended ToRs for consistency for approval – changes marked in track changes.

• Fish and fisheries
• Research and innovation
• Mitigation and management
• Communications

AP 1:  Scottish Land and Estates to send further detail on the case raised to NatureScot.  Discharged. 

AP 2: NatureScot to circulate a link to the UK-wide beaver management website.  Discharged.  Included in previous minutes. 

AP 3: NatureScot to advise the Research and Innovation sub-group on the scope for developing a list of priorities and potential research projects.  Discharged. 

AP 4: Cairngorms National Park Authority to contact University partners for an update on developments in eDNA technology.  Overtaken. The Research & Innovation sub-group had discussed eDNA including surveillance for Castor Canadensis at the last meeting (n.b. and are confident none are currently present in the wild in the UK).

AP 5: Chair to draft a letter on behalf of Scottish Beaver Advisory Group requesting clarification about beaver impacts on grant funding.  Discharged.  The Chair advised a response was received on 8 August 2024.  Both the letter and the response are saved in Objective Connect. 

The Chair provided a precis of the response from the Cabinet Secretary. Points raised in discussion:

• Regarding the perception of risk and how land managers can be persuaded/ re-assured to create riparian woodland
• Further clarity as to what constitutes reasonable measures to protect trees and expectations regarding repayments or replacing trees at own expense.
• Implications with regard to the woodland carbon code.

NatureScot have commissioned a report on woodland creation in the presence of beavers which is in draft form. As yet there is no clear timescale for publication and is being taken forward alongside other work priorities.

The SBAG Management and Mitigation sub-group had discussed woodland creation at the meeting on 31^st July. The outcomes from that meeting and the response from the Cabinet Secretary to be considered together to highlight key actions arising to enable the twin aims of riparian woodland and beaver restoration to be pursued.

New AP 1 Cabinet Secretary’s letter to be shared with the SBAG Management and Mitigation sub-group to consider alongside actions arising from the meeting on 31^st July.

AP 6: NatureScot to provide an update regarding fish use at current water gates, following discussion at the January 2024 meeting. Ongoing. The fish survey is to be conducted this summer and results will be reported when available. 

AP 7: Scottish Land and Estates (Nadia Flaherty) to contact the secretariat with details of the proposals for circulation to the group.  Discharged. 

NatureScot Beaver Management Report

NatureScot provided a short summary outlining that they considered this to have been a very positive report of progress; with beavers restored to more areas via translocations, the levels of lethal control much reduced and being replaced by effective trapping; with an increase in the number of mitigation cases being addressed, reflecting the ongoing population expansion.

Questions raised by members:

• Regarding the number of beavers having been shot following post-mortem (4) being greater than those directly attributable to licenced control (1) and the potential for illegal killing. It was clarified that PMs reported extend over the last 18 months and that beaver carcasses are also reported by members of the public and prior to August 2023 there was no requirement for controllers to notify NatureScot when a beaver was shot. However, since August 2024 all licences that permit lethal control have this condition and it should be possible to match records of beavers having been shot with any beavers that are not able to be retrieved, but are subsequently found.  The timescale for getting PM results was questioned. It was advised that any concerns regarding the legality of killing beavers would be passed to Police Scotland and results could be fast-tracked if there are concerns regarding illegality. 

New AP 2: NatureScot to check contract timescales for conducting PMs and returning reports.

The Chair noted the potential for beavers shot under licence to be reported via an App that is being developed by NatureScot. The initial aims are with regard to reporting deer control, but it is hoped to be extend to other wildlife management applications.

• The native range definition cited in the report was queried and is discussed further under agenda item 8.
• It was asked whether there is information as to whether the dams reported as having been removed under licence were natal dams. It was confirmed that licence holders are not asked to determine this as it would be difficult for non-specialists to assess, hence this information is not held.

Sub-group updates

Research and innovation (Chaired by Aileen Mill, University of Newcastle)

Aileen Mill advised that the group have met three times and plan to meet four times per year, alternating between core membership and an extended topic related membership.  The extended membership met in Spring and discussed beaver health and genetics. Research priorities were discussed at a meeting held on 21 August 2024.  It was noted that CREW has a call for proposals shortly and the group would like to include a proposal on the socio-cultural aspects of beavers; though what is needed in this area has still to be prioritised.

Fish and Fisheries (Chaired by Alan Wells, Fisheries Management Scotland)

Alan Wells reported that the group had met earlier this week. The group had highlighted the likely differences in beaver effects on salmon and trout and hence suggest referring to each species rather than salmonids. The group have highlighted the protocol for assessing beaver dams for fish passage as a priority and are keen to review the Beaver Dam Assessment Tool developed by Beaver Trust, Wild Trout Trust, Atlantic Salmon Trust, Westcountry Rivers Trust and Devon Wildlife Trust, noting the different versions for England and Scotland. The SBAG sub-group is considered the appropriate group to review its application and adoption in Scotland.

Beaver Trust had circulated the BDA methodology/pack on 21^st June to the country agencies, but it was not explicit at the time that this request was being made to the SBAG sub-group. When discussed at the sub-group it was mentioned that EA had suggested some revisions which were to be adopted and the group would comment on the subsequent version.

Beaver Trust recirculated the BDA tool after the meeting and requested that this be put to the SBAG fish and fisheries sub-group for consideration at their next meeting.

The sub-group have been revisiting the recommendations from the Beaver Salmonid Working Group and are ranking research priorities and will feed this into the R&I group.

Management and Mitigation (Chaired by Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Beaver Trust)

NatureScot provided an update on the Management and Mitigation sub-group.  Two meetings of the Mitigation and Management group have now taken place. The first meeting, involving core members, focused on establishing the group’s Terms of Reference and topics for discussion. The group consists of individuals working closely with beavers across various stakeholder groups, primarily from Scottish organisations, but also including members from across the UK.

The group has agreed to hold themed meetings aligned with the National Beaver Strategy. These meetings will address topics such as the impacts on forestry and woodland creation, agriculture and flood-bank mitigation, and infrastructure, as well as other land and water uses. These themed meetings will extend invitations to specialists and stakeholders with relevant expertise in these areas. 

The first themed meeting, focused on woodland creation, was held at the end of July. The format included presentations followed by discussion assisted by concept boards that remained open for two weeks after the meeting. The focus was on identifying the key outcomes/actions that are required to support beaver integration with woodland creation and management more broadly. 

The next meeting will focus on agricultural issues.

Communications (Chaired by Sarah Robinson, Scottish Wildlife Trust)

NatureScot provided a summary from the minutes of the meeting on 19^th August. 

The Communications sub-group have focused their efforts on Goal 6 of the Strategy Action i Produce a public communication strategy. This has been produced. 

New AP 3: NatureScot to circulate the Communications strategy to SBAG members.

See Sharefile.

The group is progressing Action ii Ensure a Scotland's Beaver Strategy website is produced and maintained. NatureScot are refreshing the relevant areas of their website and bringing beaver information into one 'landing page' to simplify access to all information regarding beavers in Scotland. Access to the growing body of information found on the Beaver Management website will be highlighted on the landing page.

The Beaver Trust and Heart of Argyll Wildlife are progressing delivery of educational resources (Objective B Action i). Beaver Trust now have an education officer supported by HLF funding. They are tasked with developing educational resources in line with the school curriculum (England), but are looking at how this could be adapted for Scotland. This is aimed at developing a suite of resources for children of all age groups.

August AP 4: The Chair offered to organise a meeting of sub-group chairs to ensure good communication between sub-groups and SBAG. 

Progress against strategy

A draft SBAG report had been circulated. 

It was suggested that the column entitled ‘Future work’ could be reframed as currently largely reflects challenges to delivery. The Chair asked for any objections from those in the photo on page 9 to be sent to her.  It was noted that the translocation by FLS near Loch Ard had received positive feedback from the Community Council could be included in the report as an example of the indicator of success with regard to communities.

The definition of Favourable Conservation Status was raised. 

New AP 5: The Chair agreed to redraft the report and circulate before the next meeting.

New AP 6: NatureScot to share the interpretation of Favourable Conservation Status with regard to beavers in Scotland.

Land Managers meeting held in June 2024

NFUS and SLE had organised a meeting attended by NatureScot and Scottish Government, with representatives from their members to talk directly about their experiences of managing beavers. The issues raised had focused on:

• Representation – ensuring the voices of those being affected are being heard directly
• Seeking payment for the cost (and time) of beaver management and compensation for damage
• Issues around flood banks and the lack of suitable mitigation and related calls for beaver exclusion areas

Land managers want to see positive steps arising on these issues.

It was suggested that land managers could be represented in the extended membership of the Management and Mitigation sub-group when discussing related themes (as scheduled for the next meeting). It could be within the scope of this sub-group to feed back to Scottish Government on the scope of the mitigation scheme.

SBAG considered further previous discussions on the issues around increasing risks to flood banks under climate change and noted the growing interest in flood resilience (recent SG Flood Resilience Strategy consultation) and Flood Risk Management Planning at a catchment scale. It was suggested the policy framework to support projects in this area is developing if not necessarily the funding support. The considerable costs of moving flood banks was noted and the loss of productive land. The costs of recent flood bank repairs far exceeded the grants provided by SG. It was noted this funding was not related to beaver impacts. Whilst the costs of moving flood banks may be prohibitive from a beaver management and agricultural risk perspective, it was noted that when impacts and benefits for alleviating flooding of downstream communities, water quality and soils are taken into account, such works may become more financially viable. Hence the benefit of considering the climate and nature challenges and options across a wider range of sectors: water, flood resilience, planning, agriculture, wildlife management was discussed.

New AP 7:  The Chair agreed to look at options for gathering cross-sectoral interests to discuss the challenges. SEPA offered to provide an appropriate contact.

Translocation updates

CNPA noted the recent press coverage of beaver kits. To date six groups have been released. Discussions are ongoing with land managers about the next releases sites and have still to be confirmed, but will also be focused in the upper catchment.

FLS advised on the releases to sites in Knapdale, Tay Forest Park and Queen Elizabeth Forest Park last year. Releases have largely been positively received by communities. Six further release sites within range are being considered for releases in 2025. FLS have also indicated that they plan to progress an application for Glen Affric following the community engagement and will first look to address the issues raised in that process by the land management community via a management and mitigation plan.

NatureScot shared some slides and maps as an introduction to a discussion on future translocation sites and processes - with the aim of developing a forward plan of sites. The slides have been updated after the meeting to try and improve clarify and have been saved to the Objective connect file. 

The introduction sought to reflect that there are now a wider range of scenarios being considered for conservation translocations in Scotland; areas with approved beaver populations, areas that beavers are colonising by natural dispersal and new catchments. The release of beavers anywhere in Scotland requires a licence. NatureScot are being asked for greater clarity on the level of engagement required to be evidenced in support of applications and the sections of the SCCT form that needs to be completed.

The presentation sought to highlight that all translocations will require some level of engagement, but that this will vary with circumstances hence it is difficult to be entirely prescriptive. NatureScot offer pre-application discussion with interested parties to explore these expectations. 

The definition of ‘natural range’ (as per EC Habitats Directive Guidance) was highlighted to make a distinction between approved populations (and areas that are colonised naturally arising from these approved populations) and unauthorised releases. 

The current distribution (NBN) was also highlighted to illustrate i) where there are beavers outwith these approved areas thought to have originated from unauthorised releases and ii) where there has been dispersal beyond the areas that have been the subject of public engagement as part of an approval process. i.e. the requirement for engagement as part of a release licence application is not always guided by the current distribution.

There was agreement on the need to engage with communities as beavers extend into new areas both naturally and via conservation translocations. However, not necessarily regarding who should do it. Some members felt the resources required to carry out engagement was a barrier to smaller land managers/community groups offering to host beavers. 

NatureScot as Licensing Authority is not positioned nor resourced to this. NatureScot suggested this further underlines the benefits of working collaboratively to identify where the greatest benefits are likely to arise and also most interest in hosting beavers and sharing of resources. NatureScot resources are focused on supporting the regulatory assessments and the costs of licenced translocations.

There was discussion about further communications designed to gather interest in hosting beaver translocation. It was noted this needs to be balanced with managing expectations of those coming forward. Anyone can presently contact [email protected] to express interest. 

Information updates

• Survey plans for winter 2024-25 - to be carried over for next meeting.
• Beaver Population simulation App - to be carried over for next meeting.
• Notice of International Beaver symposium – see attachment. 

Summary of outstanding and new actions:

AP 6: NatureScot to review the sub-group ToRs to ensure consistency. NatureScot advised that all the ToRs had been reviewed with recommendations for minor changes for consistency. 

AP 7: SBAG to approve the sub-groups ToR. Ensure SBAG content with all the ToRs. 

AP 6: NatureScot to provide an update regarding fish use at current water gates, when available. 

New AP 1 Cabinet Secretary’s letter to be shared with the SBAG Management and Mitigation sub-group to consider alongside actions arising from the meeting on 31^st July.

New AP 2: NatureScot to check contract timescales for conducting PMs and returning reports.

New AP 3: NatureScot to circulate the Communications strategy to SBAG members.

New AP 4: The Chair offered to organise a meeting of sub-group chairs to ensure good communication between sub-groups and SBAG. 

New AP 5: The Chair agreed to redraft the report and circulate before the next meeting.

New AP 6: NatureScot to share the interpretation of Favourable Conservation Status with regard to beaver in Scotland.

New AP 7:  The Chair agreed to look at options for gathering cross-sectoral interests to discuss the challenges. SEPA offered to provide an appropriate contact.