Beaver kits born in Scottish Highlands for first time in 400 years

At least two beaver kits have been born in the Glen Affric area of the Scottish Highlands, the first such births in the region for about 400 years. The kits were spotted at Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin and are reported to be in good health, with experts estimating they were born in May or June, as reported by the Evening Standard.

Reintroduction project

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The births follow a reintroduction project by conservation charity Trees for Life and government agency Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). A family of five beavers and a beaver pair were released in Glen Affric National Nature Reserve in October 2025, with a further four beavers released in February. Tobias Leask, beaver management officer for Trees for Life, told the Evening Standard that the kits symbolise a wildlife success story four centuries in the making.

“These beaver kits symbolise a wildlife success story four centuries in the making, and how nature can recover when we give it a chance. Seeing them for the first time is something I'll never forget. It was one of those rare moments when you realise you're witnessing history.”

Tobias Leask, beaver management officer, Trees for Life

Dr Roisin Campbell-Palmer, head of restoration at Beaver Trust, said the kits' arrival indicates the beavers have settled well and are establishing themselves as a healthy breeding population, as reported by the Evening Standard. She added that the achievement reflects the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved.

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Historical context

Eurasian beavers were hunted to extinction in Scotland in the 16th century. They were reintroduced to the wild in Knapdale in 2009, and the Glen Affric project is part of a wider effort to restore the species across Scotland in line with the Scottish Government's National Beaver Strategy.

What happens next

Trees for Life and FLS will continue to monitor the beavers and their impact on the landscape. Leask said the young animals represent the first generation of beavers that will help shape Glen Affric's future by creating wetlands that support countless other species, improve water quality and build resilience to climate change.