By Jim Millar

Farmers across the north-east are taking stock of the damage brought by Storm Babet which hit the region particularly hard when it swept across Scotland last week.

Authorities issued a rare red ‘danger to life warning’, as well as red, amber and yellow warnings ahead of the expected storm, with residents urged not to travel and stay at home.

While many pointed to climate change as the root cause of the flooding, it has been argued the issue is more comprehensive with damage caused by beavers to flood defences and strict regulations making it difficult for farmers and land managers to dredge water courses.

NFUS Regional Manager for East Central, Kate Maitland said: “Since beavers arrived on Tayside, there has been several flood banks which have been significantly damaged and compromised by beaver activity.

“One farmer is estimating that to repair one flood bank will cost in the region of £100,000. The river level isn’t even at the height of the flood bank, so the water isn’t spilling over the top. Instead, the banks are being blown out due to water pressure and the structure being weakened.

“We believe that beavers are a huge factor in flooding – as much as those who believe they have a positive impact on flooding – but there are limited mitigating options available to farmers when it comes to dealing with beavers burrowing into long-established flood banks.

Ms Maitland also outlined the challenges to farmers in being allowed to manage water courses.

She said: “The number of restrictions and regulations currently in place means that farmers are unable to positively manage rivers and burns to the extent they used to historically. The regulations limit what management can be done on water courses and land managers believe this has had a negative impact on flooding.

“Licenses to work on water courses come at a cost and farmers are expected to put their hands in their pockets to pay for licences, which is fine when it has a positive impact on preventing flooding on their land, but it comes at a significant cost.

“Also, local authorities do not maintain drains the way they did in the past and I think that is also a contributory factor in the flooding that we have witnessed.”

Responding to the concerns about beaver damage, a NatureScot spokesperson said: “We understand the challenges that beavers can bring for some farmers and other land managers and we’re committed to the partnership approach set out in Scotland’s Beaver Strategy to address these.

“Some landowners, especially those who manage low-lying land adjacent to water courses, are being affected by the impacts of beaver activity. Some direct assistance is available, through the beaver management framework.

“The recent weather has caused widespread flooding and the frequency and intensity of flood events creates many challenges.

“We have seen some of the recent impacts of flooding first hand and can appreciate the impact on the farm businesses of those affected. NatureScot seeks to work with farmers and land managers to develop climate and nature resilient approaches and ensure there is support available to them to deliver public benefits.”

A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency which is responsible for authorising dredging applications said: “While dredging can play a role, it's not always effective in reducing water levels and can increase flood risk and erosion damage downstream, as well as causing serious environmental damage.

“We would encourage early dialogue with any party wishing to undertake any works in a watercourse. Any applications for in river works would be carefully assessed and we would engage with potential applicants to provide advice on legislative requirements.”

Tory rural affairs spokesperson Rachael Hamilton called for funding to reach the sector to ensure viability: “Storm Babet has been utterly devastating for farmers and crofters who are already dealing with huge challenges right now.

“Ministers must also ensure that funding reaches those in our farming and crofting communities who need it most, to ensure they can remain operational going forward.”