Pine martens return to Exmoor for the first time in over a century
Conservationists say the cat-sized predators could help restore woodland wildlife
Nineteen pine martens have been released into Exmoor National Park marking the return of a native species lost from the area for more than 100 years
Tracy Hamston, Project Lead for the Two Moors Pine Marten Project, described the animals as “a fairly small member of the mustelid family… the size of a sort of smallish cat. They’re chocolaty brown and they have a very distinct throat pattern — a creamy, yellow to orange bib”
The reintroduction is part of a wider effort to restore balance to local woodlands. Pine martens are the UK’s only predator that can naturally control grey squirrels. Tracy explained “They definitely eat grey squirrels. We’ve seen in other places such as Ireland and increasingly in Scotland that they can be a really big part of allowing red squirrels to come back”
Transporting the animals from the Scottish Highlands was a major logistical challenge. “We have licences to trap them in Scotland… we health check them, fit them with a tracking collar and bring them in a van with special adaptations” Tracy said “We have to do welfare checks every three hours to make sure they’re looking bright and alert. So far both of our translocations have gone really well”
Being part of the release was a rare experience. “Feeding blueberries to a wild pine marten in the back of a van is not an experience that I think many people will have. It’s amazing and a real privilege” Tracy said
While pine martens primarily live in woodlands, they can occasionally visit gardens if food is left out as happens in Scotland. Tracy added “They don’t pose any risk to most livestock and pets… but if you do have poultry normal predator proofing would be advisable as they’re very good climbers”
For those hoping to spot one, Tracy encouraged local people to keep an eye out and get in touch if they see them “If you manage to get a picture that’d be wonderful — do get in touch with us at Devon Wildlife Trust”