SCOTTISH FARMERS and crofters have been urged to engage with the upcoming beaver survey.

NFU Scotland encouraged its members to participate in what is expected to be the most comprehensive survey of Scottish beaver numbers and their range.

The survey - organised by NatureScot - is expected to commence on Thursday, October 1, with information gathering taking place on the locations of active beaver territories, as well as assessing the health and spread of the overall population.

Assessments are due to take place on foot or by canoe, covering Tayside and the surrounding river catchments, including the Forth, and river systems in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

NatureScot will be liaising with NFUS and other stakeholders to keep members informed of survey work in their area.

“We would encourage as many members as possible to use the mammal mapper service or contact NatureScot if they are aware of, or suspect, beaver activity on their property," urged NFUS vice-president Martin Kennedy.

“We know that beaver numbers and their range are expanding but we must establish an accurate record on both to support the work of the management framework that has been established for beavers in Scotland.

“Some obvious signs of beaver activity that members can look out for include dammed watercourses, gnawed trees, piles of sticks and mud on the edge of a watercourse (often located below a lodge), general water edge disturbance and river bank erosion," he continued.

“This work will be the most in depth study and count to be carried out to date on beavers in Scotland and it is important that farmers and landowners are fully engaged.”

Farmers and landowners can report beaver sightings or evidence of beaver activity using the Mammal Society’s Mammal Mapper app, available for both iPhone and Android, or online at https://www.brc.ac.uk/mammals/recording.php

They can also contact NatureScot’s Roo Campbell who is leading the project on 01463 725130 or roo.campbell@nature.scot.