Natural Narratives #4 - Living with Beavers

By Evelyn Schreiner the 03/02/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended our fourth natural narratives session on the 31st of January 2025, where we listened to an informative and eye-opening talk called Living with Beavers, presented by Elliot McCandless of the Beaver Trust. It was brilliant seeing so many people interested in learning about beavers, in fact so many people were interested that we reached the capacity of Sandison Hall!

Elliot walked us through the history of beaver persecution and conservation in the UK, gave important insights into beaver behaviour and their impact on freshwater habitats, and provided examples of effective strategies for communities and landowners to co-exist peacefully with beavers. Since beaver families are present within Loch Earn and along the River Earn, understanding beaver behaviour and how to co-exist with them is important for many of our nearby local communities, including St. Fillans, Comrie, and Crieff. At the end of the talk, Elliot answered everyone's questions with passion and clarity, separating fact from fiction in terms of how beavers shape their environment and about aspects of their behaviour. Did you know that it only takes a few beavers to transform a landscape, creating wetland habitat and increasing biodiversity?

Slide demonstrating a simple method used by the Beaver Trust to mitigate unwanted flooding.
Elliot McCandless answering questions from the audience.
A captivated crowd!

If you enjoyed this Natural Narratives session, keep an eye out for our next one running on the 28th of February, where we will be welcoming Marian from Highland Boundary who will teach us all about regenerative farming and the making of botanical spirits. There will be a free tasting session following the talk! Book your free place here.

See you next time!

~ The Aquila Team 🦫🪵