Who We Are
In 2011, the Scottish government decided to start trapping wild beavers that have lived in the River Tay and its many tributaries since 2001. One Beaver was captured and, sadly, died in captivity. Our charity was formed to protest the trapping of wild beavers. Trapping was suspended in the summer of 2011.
Following the reintroduction of native beavers to Scotland it is imperative that people and beavers learn to coexist once again as this amazing rodent brings us so many benefits. We aim to promote the study, conservation and protection of wild Eurasian beavers and their natural habitats in Scotland. We want to teach children the benefits of the beaver.
Our Trustees
Nonie CoultHard
An ecologist and conservationist – Nonie is passionate about helping the rural communities and biodiversity in West Africa and re-creating wild places in Scotland, with the help of beavers. She helps SWBG with fundraising, including the 87 Beavers campaign, and project organisation.
Andrew Thompson
After a lifetime of work in rural land use, Andrew believes that ecological restoration of Scotland is vital and urgent, and that the return of beavers is essential for recovery. Now retired he devotes much of his time to promoting rewilding, with expansion of the beaver population front and centre.
James Nairne
James works in the conservation sector and is passionate about restoring Scotland’s depleted nature. He is the privileged guardian of a beaver wetland in Strathearn. He is the group’s diplomat and represents SWBG on the Scottish Beaver Forum and at meetings of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.
Jean Oudney
In addition to beavers, Jean is a bat consultant, bat carer under the Bat Conservation Trust and member of Scottish Badgers, as well as a horse and dog lover. She brings organisational skills and helped to run our conferences in 2015 and 2019.
Louise Ramsay
Louise campaigns on many environmental issues, with a particular interest in beavers. She also writes articles and fiction pieces whilst running an ecotourism business alongside her family at Bamff Wildland in Perthshire.
Susan Stirling-Aird
Susan is a lifelong champion for many species of wildlife, with years of experience under her belt contributing to a wide range of committees and forums.
What do we do?
Education
We create fun and educational interactions with groups of all ages to develop awareness and appreciation of the beaver and its importance in the ecosystem.
Promote Beaver tourism
Go on a beaver safari or stay in a beaver hide or yurt. Watch the beavers work and play whilst contributing to local businesses, supporting the positive economic impacts of beavers in Scotland.
Lobby Government
We campaign tirelessly locally, nationally and internationally to ensure the beaver is protected by law. This involves sitting on various forums relating to conservation.