Beaver group bid to boost numbers
Intern Louise appointed to continue work
The Perthshire-based Scottish Wild Beaver Group has taken on an intern to help the organisation develop.
The appointment follows on from the Scottish Government’s recent decision that beavers in Scotland – including the wild Tay beavers – are to be protected.
Keen wildlife conservationist Kirsten Brewster (26), from Dundee, has a degree in zoology from the University of Dundee as well as a Masters in conservation and sustainability from the University of Stirling and has already taken up her new post with SWBG.
The small charity, which was founded in the Royal Hotel in Blairgowrie nearly six years ago in response to a wave of public support for a local population of beavers, successfully campaigned for the animals to be left in the wild and monitored rather than trapped.
The group was also instrumental
Kirsten Brewster
in ensuring that data from the Tay beavers was included in the official Scottish Beaver Trial, the results of which formed the basis of environment minister Roseanna Cunningham’s long-awaited decision to protect the animals.
Bamff resident Louise Ramsay, from the SWBG, explained: “Our trustees decided earlier this year it was time for us to take on an intern to enable us to expand our work in education and communication.
“Kirsten has been following the story of the Tay beavers with great interest since 2011 and has been on several beaver tours with [local conservationist] Bob Smith from Blairgowrie.
“We are delighted to have Kirsten on board and she is already taking up the reins of her new post with great enthusiasm and competence.”
Kirsten added: “My interest in the Tay beaver population stems from my passion to conserve native Scottish species and I am keen to build a career in wildlife conservation.
“I have volunteered at RSPB Loch of Kinnordy, Tentsmuir National Nature Reservice and Plantlife, doing all kinds of practical and interactive activities, and I also have a wildlife blog.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenges this post will bring, especially as it is such an exciting time in Scotland right now.”
Kirsten says that she became aware of the group after she went on a beaver tour with Mr Smith.
Louise continued: “Bob’s contribution to SWBG, including his excellent school programme and River Ericht beaver tours, have been an important part of the beaver campaign.
“He raised awareness and collected data and educated hundreds of children about beavers.” Keen wildlife conservationist Kirsten Brewster