Can beaver-engineered ecosystems and migratory fish thrive together?
Wild Atlantic salmon, a keystone species, are in crisis, having declined by 70% in the last 25 years. The population in Great Britain is now classified as endangered due to the latest species reassessment by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, announced at COP28 in December 2023.
Fish face a multitude of existential threats, from polluted waterways, overfishing and habitat destruction, to over-abstraction of water for irrigation and over 23,000 man-made barriers in waterways in Britain blocking migratory passage.
Beaver ecosystem engineering creates a habitat which innumerable species of plants, fungi, invertebrates, amphibians, mammals, and fish, benefit from. However, concern remains about the ability of beaver dams to impede the movement of migratory species to and from their spawning grounds at critical times of year.
Balancing the Scales is a powerful, visually stunning documentary that captures hope amid environmental uncertainty. Through candid interviews with leading experts, this film unpacks the intricate relationship between beavers and migratory fish – revealing the opportunities beavers create and the unique challenges they introduce in our modern landscapes.
Join this journey of discovery to find a balance between realising the ecological benefits of beaver activity and protecting and preserving endangered migratory fish populations.
This film was produced by Nina Constable, an award-winning self-shooting director based in Cornwall, UK.
During February and March, we welcomed more than 650 guests across five special in-person screenings of Balancing The Scales in Bristol, Inverness, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and London.
Sharing the film with so many people, witnessing their engagement during the live Q&As with our panel of experts, and discussing the future of our freshwater ecosystems together was a fantastic experience.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our panel members, staff, funders, and everyone who attended and contributed to these events. Your interest, support, insights, and feedback made these evenings truly special.
Beginning on 1 April 2025, Balancing the Scales will be available free of charge for private screenings.
A private screening can include community events, film festivals, training sessions, conferences, clubs or societies, and even cinemas/theatres. You could host an intimate gathering for a group, invite your local cinema to hold a public showing, or share the film at a conference.
Register for a private screening now so we can provide you with access to the film and a folder of promotional materials.
If you would like more information or want to arrange a screening, please email info@beavertrust.org.
Find out about our work to restore beavers while protecting and preserving migratory fish populations.
Watch more award-winning content produced by Beaver Trust about our work and mission.