Socio-cultural perceptions of beavers

Socio-cultural and economic perceptions of beaver presence in the environment

Nature’s contribution to people and community engagement: socio-cultural and economic perceptions of beaver presence in the environment

The Beauly catchment – a case study

Authors: Vicky Johnson, Alison Martin, Celia Delugin

Funding: £40,000

After a 400-year absence (having been driven to extinction), Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) were reintroduced in Scotland in 2009. Beavers provide a range of ecosystem services. However, species reintroductions can be controversial and generate social conflicts. 

This research focusses on the Beauly catchment as a case study, in the context of a recently announced bid to translocate beavers to Glen Affric, led by Trees for Life. Using the concept of ‘Nature’s Contribution to People’ within an Ecosystems Services Approach, which recognises the interdependence between humans and nature, we:

• Explored communities’ general perceptions of beavers
• Investigated communities’ views and responses to the proposed translocation of beavers in the Beauly catchment
• Identify actions regarding the strategy for the reintroduction of beavers

The study was commissioned and published by NatureScot. The full research report can be read here.  

To read the news article about the research project visit: News - UHI Inverness report on beaver presence published by NatureScot- Inverness College UHI