The success of the Borders project, and the chance of embarking on similar projects in future, will depend in part on the generosity of the public. It is a chance to share in the regeneration of rare and beautiful habitats within the UK, and of taking another step towards fulfilling the dream of bringing beavers back to Scotland. Aspens Aspens are especially attractive trees and, in Highland tradition, their leaves, which quiver and rustle in the slightest breeze, were thought to induce prophetic insight. Unfortunately they are also much liked by sheep and deer, and in areas of overgrazing the trees are unable to regenerate. Furthermore, aspens produce fertile seed only once every few years, and they are now becoming rare in Scotland.
Aspens are particularly well-suited to floodplains.
Their timber is of excellent quality, although at present it is not used commercially in Scotland because the supply is so limited. More than 160 invertebrates live in or feed on aspen trees, including 60 species of moths and butterflies. Beavers Beavers once occurred throughout Europe, but their highly-prized fur and the castor oil which they produce made them a target for hunters. It is thought that the last wild beaver was sighted in the north-east of Scotland in the 15th century. Beavers live in small family groups in or near fresh water.