Save the Free beavers of the River Tay

11913903_920262254682244_6973812627803513536_n — Rhona Forrester

So ITV is the Un-BBC in the UK with slightly more hip programming. “Nature nuts” stars a famous gay (they say ‘camp’) comedian traipsing about the country looking for and learning about wildlife. In the most recent episode he went to Scotland and visited Bob Smith of the Free Tay Beaver group. Bob brought him by canoe out to the beavers he’s been following, and the host brought along a camera man from David Attenborough to catch the first signs of the kits. Here they are discussing strategy. The host is on the stump throne, and Bob is seated with the canoe paddle.Of course I wanted to watch it right away, but the cruelty of nationality forbade me. It’s online there but it tells you you need to be in the UK to partake. Sigh. I knocked desperately on a few doors and begged as heartily as I could and was kindly sent a copy by a fairy godmother who warned me against sharing. I thanked my lucky stars and settled down for the treat. And what a treat! Beautiful photography, fun interactions and a beaver setting to envy. Of course the camerman captured the new kit and of COURSE I wept to see him swimming peacefully along in such pristine habitat. I assume this will be available outside the UK eventually and I will make sure to post it here, because you need to see it!

11903716_920261854682284_3042440587892140657_n — Rhona Forrester

Some of the folks from the free Tay beaver group turned out for the shoot, you can see Paul Ramsay in the middle there. Everyone was excited by the final episode, which you can see by looking at the Save the Free Beavers of the River Tay facebook page.

The habitat is so different from ours I was gripped with envy I can’t fully describe. A huge traditional lodge of sticks and a hanging forest to forage. No trash or homeless. And a beautiful pond to canoe across and see the beavers from their element.

11219724_920261531348983_4739336096757531898_n — Rhona Forrester

I’m so proud of what Scotland has accomplished this last decade. They overturned centuries of beaver ignorance and pushed their ecosystem value onto center stage. Both with the formal trial and the informal wild beavers. They generated interest and appreciation for a species that hadn’t been seen since the 1600’s. It has helped beavers not just in the UK but in every country by changing, informing and enriching the ecological conversation.

I’m especially honored to have met Paul and Louise and played a very small part in helping them coordinate support and generate media attention. I just read this morning that Paul is currently working on a book, which I, for one, cannot WAIT to read! Their beaver work is truly and EPIC TAIL.

11855681_1117893984905616_2249730862182012702_n — Mum & Kit on the Ericht: Bob Beaver-Boy Smith

I stumbled upon this intriguing video on youtube and it took me a while to realize who it was from. This was shot by beaver friend Paul Ramsy at his estate in Bamff Scotland. Paul is the congenial force behind the “Save the free beavers of the River Tay” movement. His demeanor is polite tweed but his spirit is entirely leather! Be patient with his film skills and focus instead on the chirping sound in the background. My guess is he knew at the time why that was important. Looking at this video you have an idea of why he would become passionate enough about the cause to fly all the way to Oregon for the State of the beaver conference last February. Watch all the way to the end for a special treat.

Speaking of special, today is the birthday of our own Cheryl Reynolds who will of course be celebrating by visiting the beavers she loves best. Thanks for all you do and have an excellent birthday!