Appendix 1 – Assessment of the potential for Eurasian beavers to naturally colonise the Cairngorms National Park

This document contains an assessment of the potential for Eurasian beavers to naturally move into the Cairngorms National Park, focusing on the risks and opportunities that come with them. The assessment looks at beaver habitat suitability, dam capacity, and potential routes beavers might take to enter the park from existing populations. The study also considers possible conflicts with agriculture and fishing. While some areas in the National Park could support beavers, the study concludes that it is unlikely they will naturally colonize the park due to the local landscape and artificial barriers. Recommendations are made for preparing for their arrival, including potential management strategies to reduce conflicts.