Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Beavers Return to Scotland’s Glen Affric After 400 Years

Scotland’s Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, home to ancient Caledonian pine trees, gorgeous lochs, and magnificent hiking trails, is now home to seven beavers, a homecoming for a species that disappeared four centuries ago. Forestry and Land Scotland, working alongside the charity Trees for Life, released a family of five and a breeding pair of beavers at two sites in October, 2025. Apart from their work as ecosystem “engineers”, the beavers are drawing visitors and boosting local economies. “Beaver safaris” in places like Perthshire are often booked to capacity. A single reintroduction site could eventually inject an estimated £2 million—roughly $2.7 million—into the local economy each year. In a world where we often hear about what we’re losing, the return of the beaver after 400 years is a powerful reminder of what we can regain.

Be The Change

Learn about a native species that has disappeared from your local area and discover if there are restoration efforts underway. Consider volunteering with a local wildlife reintroduction project. If you’re inspired by ecosystem restoration, explore how you can create wildlife-friendly spaces in your own backyard — even small ponds or native plantings can make a difference for local species.