Children to name Beaver kits

Children are to be given the chance to name the first baby beaver kits born in the wild as part of the reintroduction scheme at Knapdale in Argyll. 15 Norwegian animals have been released at the project site and a number of young have been born into the families.

The naming competition was launched by Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson during a visit to Knapdale Forest earlier this week.

“These charismatic creatures play a key role in providing good habitat for a range of wetland species, while generating interest in Knapdale and Scotland from far afield,” he said.

“It is great news that this landmark trial has proven successful in breeding its first kits last year, following the reintroduction of beaver family groups to Knapdale in 2009.

“We hope this breeding will continue and invite name suggestions from young people to welcome the kits.”

Children wanting to put forward names should email [email protected] including their own details. The winning names will be announced later in the year.

For those wanting to try and catch a glimpse of the beavers in the wild themselves, there is a walk description at Barnluasgan Oakwood, within the project site, on Walkhighlands. There are also wild beavers living and breeding around the River Tay and Blairgowrie areas of Perthshire; these are not part of the official project.