Appendix 3 – SSSI consent for beaver release

This document contains a letter from NatureScot to the Cairngorms National Park Authority, dated 16 October 2023, regarding consent for the release of beavers at a Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and River Spey – Insh Marshes SSSI. NatureScot has granted consent for the release of beavers over a number of years, at agreed locations, with numbers determined by a NatureScot license. No construction or material changes will occur on the designated sites. NatureScot advises that monitoring of the beaver's effects should be carried out as set out in the Monitoring Plan and should beavers impact the designated sites, remedial action will be taken in accordance with the Habitats Regulations Appraisal. NatureScot has considered the effect of the proposal on overlapping European sites, including River Spey Special Area of Conservation (SAC), River Spey - Insh Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA), Insh Marshes SAC, Cairngorms SAC and Cairngorms SPA. NatureScot has determined that the proposal will not adversely affect the integrity of the sites. This consent only exempts legal provisions in accordance with section 13(1) of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004.