Beavering about this winter

As days shorten and darkness swallow more hours than daylight, Knapdale’s beavers just keep on foraging and engineering. 

These non-specific herbivores do not stop going about their business just because of lack of light or because of plummeting temperatures - they do not hibernate. This is their busiest time making final preparations for the coldest time of year.

However, that does not make the chance of spotting them more likely, says Argyll Beaver Centre ranger Peter Creech who is organising a series of winter walks from the Bellanoch wildlife hub, home of the Heart of Argyll Wildlife Association.

Being totally frank, he says anyone joining one of the walks should be aware there is a 99.9 per cent chance that they will not see one.

But, good news is that because it is winter and vegetation has died back, there is a good opportunity to see what would usually be hidden in the warmer months.

This the best time of year to see the construction and water management skills of beaver families.

And these walks offer up a window to ask anything you have ever wanted to know about beavers, these mini masters of mighty construction. You will also be able to hear why the habitats they create, bring multiple biodiversity benefits.