Beavers return to Cairngorms National Park in Scotland after 400 years | UK News

Beavers have returned to the UK’s largest national park for the first time in 400 years.

Two were released on the Rothiemurchus Estate within Cairngorms National Park, while another pair were set free on land owned by Wildland Cairngorms Ltd.

The animals were released on Monday under a licence from public agency NatureScot – which could see up to 15 beaver families relocated to sites in the upper River Spey area over the next five years.

Conservation campaigners hope the beavers will boost biodiversity and enhance the region’s ecosystems. A study of a community of beavers in England’s River Otter found the animals could reduce flooding for some at-risk homes, created wetlands for other animals, improved water quality and even boosted local tourism.

Scottish biodiversity minister Lorna Slater helped with the release of the beavers at Rothiemurchus.

The Scottish Greens co-leader said: “Today is a key milestone in our ongoing collective efforts to ensure this iconic species can once again thrive across Scotland.

“I want to thank the Cairngorms National Park Authority and all the organisations involved who have made this truly exciting moment possible.

“The Scottish government will continue to support the expansion of beavers across the country, through our beaver strategy.

“We want both communities and nature to benefit from this mission. This is why we will ensure that farmers and land managers are supported to live alongside beavers as they make the iconic Cairngorms their new home.”