I have been a bad blogger this week, but I do have an excuse! I'm very proud to announce the return of the Beaver to Scotland after an extinction of around 400 years.
It has been one of the most hectic and stressful periods of my life being involved in this project, but I'm so very honoured to be here.
I was a little busy for taking photos, but you can see footage of the beavers (and a little bit of me I'm afraid) here.
Contrary to apparent popular belief, I am not now taking a break after a very busy time. While all the other staff buzzed off back to Edinburgh and Glasgow, I was left with my dedicated little team here in Knapdale. I can't thank Karen, John, Philippa, Chris and Roisin enough for their help and support this last week.
It's all very well releasing beavers, but now I have to ensure that I keep tabs on them, record their activity and stay on good terms with landowners, lest my charges wander where they are not wanted. I've not had a great deal of time off, or sleep recently, but being out on the water, in the glorious weather we've been enjoying, has hardly been a chore.
This is now how Chris and I spend most of our evenings. Sorry I didn't have a decent enough lens, but there really are beavers in some of these photos!
The beavers are settling well and are beginning to build their own lodges, which is great to see.
The other night I was driving down one of the forest tracks and found a stick across the path that hadn't been there half an hour earlier. I stopped and got out and look what I found!
The beavers had come down the stream, up the bank and across the track to cut down one of the willows. Why that particular willow was so particularly desirable when the loch edges have plenty I will never know, but it is good to see them making themselves so at home.
I'm getting a beaver blog soon so I won't have to bore you all with tales of my work; but I'll provide the address when I have it, in case anyone is interested.
10 comments:
Oooh a beaver blog! Not boring!
That is absolutely wonderful news! Beavers are fairly common here where I live in the New York State and I'm so happy for Scotland that they are back home there too!
Totally awesome Jenny! You should be very proud of yourself ~ you're leaving your mark..
I think Whisper is SO pretty!
Great photos, as always.
Very interesting! Thanks for sharing.
I'm proud to "know" someone who is returning an animal to its home instead of driving it out! You do great work.
Thanks!
Nancy in Atlanta
Excellent Jenny! I love your job. Blog all you want about it and do let us know how to follow your adventures. We have beaver right in our neighborhood also. Even in the high deserts of Nevada there are water ways that suit their needs. Wonderful creatures!
You certainly have not bored me with tales of your work. I find it fascinating. I am an animal lover and I love nature so your blog realy is of great interst. Beavers are very common in northern Ontario but civilization is fast driving them out. Congratulations on a very worthwhile job.
This is just great! Congratulations on all the hard work and success.
Oh this is so exciting! As a Canadian, especially. I mean, the beaver is our national animal! Clearly, it should thrive all over the world, as an ambassador of Canadian goodwill! Three cheers to Scotland for getting back the beaver! And three cheers to you for being a part of that event!
Beaver news is never boring! I didn't know there were beavers in the UK! I love them. For me, they signify a healthy river or creek.
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