SBAG Scottish Beaver Advisory Group - response from Mairi Gougeon MSP to SBAG

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands
Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson Chùisean Dùthchail, Athleasachadh
Fearainn agus Eileanan
Mairi Gougeon MSP/BPA

T : 0300 244 4000
E : [email protected]

Our Reference: 202400415157
Your Reference: Letter from the Scottish Beaver Advisory Group
8 August 2024

Dear      , 

Beaver Impacts on Forestry Grants
Thank you for your letter of 16 May 2024 regarding the implications of beaver activity for tree planting funded by forestry grants. I apologise for the delay in responding, officials have been considering the range of scenarios and the likely interactions between the Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) and beavers, as a European protected species which is protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (“the Habitats Regulations”) (regulation 38 and schedule 2).

As you described in your letter, experience so far of these interactions is limited and early indications are that in many situations beaver damage is likely to be localised in extent and tolerable, for example where trees coppice and regrow.

In particular, the issue of beaver impacts on grant funded riparian woodland is relatively new and Scottish Forestry is just starting to encounter projects where beaver damage to trees could potentially affect the achievement of grant funding objectives.

In the case of existing grant schemes, where beavers are spreading into an area and are impacting the development or survival of planted trees, Scottish Forestry will take a pragmatic approach. This will involve taking into account the circumstances on the site and being flexible in it’s view of what constitutes acceptable establishment and tree survival in the presence of beavers.

Where damage occurs or is likely to occur Scottish Forestry will request that forestry grant contract holders take appropriate action, including making reasonable efforts to replace and or limit the damage from beavers, such as by protecting trees. Where reasonable efforts have been taken in agreement with Scottish Forestry, and such measures are unsuccessful, Scottish Forestry is unlikely to seek to pursue the recovery of grants.

In the case of new grant applications in areas where beavers are known to be present or likely to expand into in the next 10 years, grant applicants will be expected to consider the likely impact of beavers and include appropriate planting designs and establishment techniques within their FGS Operational Plan. Scottish Forestry will seek to be satisfied that the planned approach in each case is
likely to lead to a successful and acceptable outcome across the scheme as a whole. This may involve accepting higher short term tree losses or damage in riparian areas, so long as the woodland area as a whole is resilient and sustainable.

I can confirm that Scottish Forestry will be reviewing their policies and FGS guidance to clarify what measures and actions are available where beavers are present and there is a risk of damage.

When developed, this guidance will help land managers identify areas where there is a likelihood of beavers impacting on new woodland creation projects. The guidance will also include advice on how to mitigate the risks of future damage and the associated actions that should be incorporated within Operational Plans and FGS grant Contract Conditions.

Scottish Government is committed to woodland expansion and in particular the planting of new riparian woodland across Scotland. We know that when they are safely established, new woodlands and beavers will happily coexist and improve the natural environment. We do not want the expansion of beavers across Scotland to limit the planting of new riparian woodland.

I hope this response reassures you that we are aiming to ensure that the policy aims of woodland creation and beaver reintroduction can both be accommodated.
 

Yours sincerely

MAIRI GOUGEON

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