Assessment of the potential for Eurasian beavers to naturally colonise in CNP

This document contains an assessment, prepared in February 2022 for the Cairngorms National Park, which explores the possibility of Eurasian beavers naturally inhabiting the area. It looks at the risks and benefits that come with their presence. It looks into how beavers could enhance the area, considering things like the environment, land use, and the local economy, and suggests ways to plan for their arrival. The report also investigates potential routes beavers could take to colonize the park from existing populations, considering multiple factors such as habitat suitability and potential barriers. Ultimately, the report concludes that natural colonization of the Cairngorms National Park by Eurasian beavers is highly unlikely due to a combination of topographical and artificial barriers, such as the Pitlochry Fish Ladder.