At a time when the world seems dark and bad news a constant presence this book is very welcome. Positive and uplifting, it tells a conservation success story, of how the author and a cast of supporters overcame bureaucratic inertia and anti-wildlife forces to stop the killing of beavers in Scotland and allow them to be relocated to new homes. In the process the campaigners changed the whole way beavers are regarded by the Scottish establishment and paved the way for their spread to other areas of Scotland and then to parts of England.They did this in a surprisingly short space of time, just less than two years from the initial idea to the release of the first beavers.
The book is very much a personal account and I think this gives it emotional power. The author writes well and is not afraid to describe how he felt, including feeling depressed and elated at times. He triggered the events described by applying to have beavers relocated to suitable habitats on his land rather than be shot and the results were intense. His struggle to save the beavers is quite gripping with much tension even though the reader knows the outcome. I've read works of fiction that are far less enthralling!
The author brings to life the other conservationists who worked with him to save the beavers and some of those who opposed the plans. He makes it clear that individuals and organisations working together led to their success. This co-operation is itself encouraging.
After the first beavers are released Bowser writes about the delight of living with them, about how they changed the landscape. His joy in their presence is infectious.
In the fascinating last section of the book he visits a series of conservationists involved with different species in different parts of Scotland to talk to them about their work and their personal stories and motivation.
This is a book of hope, a book that shows that not all is lost. It's a wonderful tonic.
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