Appendix 9 – March 2023 beaver blethers report

This document contains a summary of the Beaver Blethers held in March 2023 by the Cairngorms National Park Authority (Park Authority). The Park Authority organised four informal events in Kincraig, Kingussie, and Aviemore to raise awareness about beavers and to allow landowners and local residents to voice concerns about land management. The blethers allowed for respectful conversations and provided time to address issues in detail, and attendees were able to view maps of habitat suitability and damming capacity. Opinion on the beavers was split between landowners/farmers and the general public, but the blethers were well-received and provided a neutral space to bring up concerns that will inform the formal engagement process.