Beavers are Back

After 400 years, beavers are back at Rothiemurchus. Walk the Beaver Trail, explore the exhibition, and learn about their reintroduction

Rothiemurchus is home to beavers once again

At the beginning of December 2023, there hadn’t been beavers living in the waterways around the River Spey for 400 years. But these furry engineers are once again making a home for themselves at Rothiemurchus since a mating pair was released in line with Scotland’s Beaver Strategy (produced by NatureScot on behalf of the Scottish Government).

The return of beavers to the Cairngorms has been led by the Cairngorms National Park Authority, working closely with partners, land managers – of which Rothiemurchus is one – and local communities.

At Rothiemurchus, we’re delighted to have welcomed a new species to the local ecosystem. The beavers are in good company with such a variety of other wildlife living in and around the ancient forest, moorland, hills and lochs that form this special place.

Learn more about beavers and their reintroduction at Rothiemurchus

Walk or bike the Beaver Trail!

One best way to learn more about the beavers is to walk or cycle the Beaver Trail at Rothiemurchus. This 7km-loop takes in the beaver’s natural habitat and passes Lochan Mor and, with a short diversion, Loch an Eilein. There’s an interactive exhibition at The Barn cafe to explore before you set off and “beaver-chewed” logs with interesting facts to look out for along the way.

Get the Beaver Trail map

Find out more about the creation of the Beaver Trail

A beaver Q&A with head ranger Ollie

Our ranger team helped the beavers settle in at Rothiemurchus, and they continue to monitor them and any changes they make to the environment. In December 2023, we caught up with our head ranger, Ollie Mackay, to learn more about the beavers’ reintroduction. Find out what he was most excited about, his favourite beaver fact and more! Beavers are back blog.

Find out more about the beaver reintroduction project

Visit the Cairngorms National Park Authority website to access all the information you need on the project to bring beavers back to Cairngorms. Read about why they were brought back, the work beavers do in their natural habitat, and who’s been involved.

Celebrating the success of the beavers’ reintroduction at Rothiemurchus

In August 2024, following the birth of a brand-new baby beaver (called a kit) at Rothiemurchus, Beaver Project Manager Jonathan Willet led a celebratory walk along the Beaver Trail. See photos of the trail and discover some little-known beaver facts that Jonathan shared along the way.

A walk along the beaver trail at Rothiemurchus – blog

Nature Walk in Beaver habitat. Children sit on a man made dam and listen to Jonathan Willet Beaver Project Manager.

How we can all support the beavers

As with any animal living in the wild, it’s important that we all behave in a way that helps the beavers feel relaxed and happy in their new home. We’re asking our visitors to keep the following things in mind as they enjoy Rothiemurchus: give them space, be quiet and respectful, keep dogs under close control and stick to paths.