A pioneering nature recovery project has reintroduced 19 pine
martens to Exmoor National Park — marking the official return of a native
species lost for over a century.
9 female and 10 male animals were released during September at
secret locations owned by the National Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority.
The releases mark the return of an animal which was once common locally, but which
was lost due to hunting and the decline of its favoured woodland habitat.
Pine martens are a native species and a woodland
dwelling animal. The size of a small cat, they belong to the weasel or mustelid
family. Their release is the work of the Two Moors Pine Marten Project and
supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The project is led by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust and is
a partnership between seven organisations: Dartmoor National Park Authority,
Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Forestry England,
National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust. Expert assistance has
been provided by the Vincent Wildlife Trust.
The pine martens were sourced from healthy wild
populations in the Highlands of Scotland. The reintroduction of pine martens has
been licensed by both NatureScot and Natural England. Although sporadic
sightings have been reported of pine martens in Exmoor over recent years, this
reintroduction is the first to be planned and officially licensed.
The reintroduction marks the culmination of 7 years of planning
by the Two Moors Pine Marten Project working with local volunteers, stakeholders
and communities. After undergoing careful health checks in Scotland, the pine
martens were driven more than 500 miles through the night in a specially
adapted, temperature-controlled vehicle. Altogether staff undertook five carefully
planned journeys, each one bringing a small number of pine martens with them.
On arrival in Exmoor the pine martens were housed separately in
specially constructed release pens, each containing a snug den box. There they
were allowed to acclimatise quietly to their new surroundings while being
provided with fresh food and water. After 3 days the door to each pen was
opened and the pine martens were able to slip into their new wild surroundings
in a series of magical moments captured on remote video cameras.
Each pine marten has been fitted with a radio collar
allowing project staff to follow their fortunes in coming months. The lightweight
handmade leather collars are designed to drop off the animals after 6-9 months.
The release of pine martens on Exmoor follows a similar successful
reintroduction of 15 animals (8 female and 7 male) by the Two Moors Pine Marten
Project on Dartmoor in autumn 2024. In the 12 months since, the Dartmoor population
has become established with the first births of kits being recorded in July
2025.
Similar successful
releases have also taken place in recent years in the Forest of Dean, Wales and
Cumbria. The expectation is that the Dartmoor and Exmoor pine marten
populations will expand gradually in coming years, eventually merging to
re-establish a stable population in the South West of England signalling
positive steps towards returning the native species to its former range.
Pine martens are solitary animals and live at low density,
preferring to form territories in and around woodlands. They are mainly
nocturnal and are shy, avoiding contact with humans.
The return of pine martens to Exmoor was deliberately timed so
that the animals could take advantage of the local abundance of wild autumn
fruits. Pine martens have a varied diet and at this time of year will consume
wild fruits, along with hunting for prey which includes small mammals such as voles,
mice and grey squirrels.
Devon Wildlife Trust’s Tracey Hamston leads the Two Moors
Pine Marten Project. Tracey said:
“It’s wonderful to see pine martens living wild in Exmoor again.
These animals were once a key part of our thriving woodland wildlife, so it’s
good that they are back where they belong. It’s a positive sign that nature can
be restored. Our woodlands and their wildlife will benefit from their
presence.”
Stuart McLeod is Director of England -
London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Stuart said:
“This is a landmark moment — witnessing
the return of pine martens to Exmoor after more than a century is truly
inspiring. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re helping to restore a
native species to the landscapes it once called home. Reintroducing lost
wildlife is essential for building resilient ecosystems and driving nature’s
recovery. This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when
organisations unite with a shared vision.”
Ali Hawkins is Exmoor National Park
Authority’s Senior Ecologist. Ali said: “It’s just such a good news story to see
pine martens back on Exmoor. Historical
evidence shows that they used to be part of our woodland landscape and
reintroducing them will help bring back a natural balance that will benefit
many species”.
Simon Larkins is
National Trust General Manager, Somerset Coast & Countryside.
Simon said:
“The return of pine martens to Exmoor is a truly special
moment. When we first began exploring the idea of their reintroduction in 2018,
we hoped that one day these much-loved animals would find their way home. As a
keystone species, pine martens play a vital role in woodland ecosystems,
helping to create healthier habitats and supporting wider biodiversity. Their
presence is a powerful reminder that when we give nature space and opportunity,
recovery can happen.”
Lucie Bennett, Pine Martens Engagement Officer at Somerset
Wildlife at Somerset
Wildlife Trust. Lucie said:
"We're proud and
delighted to see pine martens returning to Somerset and to have played a part
in the national recovery strategy as this animal re-establishes its former
range. At a time when wildlife needs us more than ever and action is much needed,
it's fantastic to see recovery milestones met, like the return of this
important mammal in functioning British woodlands. We look forward to
monitoring the progression of the Exmoor animals, supporting woodland wildlife
and local communities as the pine martens move and expand their range."
Abigail Parravani is Forestry
England Forest Planner. Abigail said:
“This
release is a thrilling moment for Exmoor and a watershed moment for the pine
marten in the South West. It’s so exciting to support a project that is helping
nature recovery by bringing back a native species and we can’t wait to see this
population establishing in the landscape.”
Jack Hunt is Woodland Trust’s Assistant Site Manager (Devon).
Jack said:
"Following
the extensive surveying, planning and preparation that was required for the
Dartmoor release, it has been an amazing experience tracking the pine martens
and getting to know them over the course of their first year here in Devon.
Seeing the kits on camera was a huge highlight. The Exmoor release is a chance
to build on what we've learnt over the last year and establish a stable and
healthy population of this missing species in the South West."
The Exmoor reintroduction comes after a huge concerted effort
by the Two Moors Pine Marten Project and its local volunteers.
Key tasks have included:
- surveying dozens of sites to
determine where best to release pine martens;
-
working with landowners, commercial shoot owners and farmers;
-
constructing release pens, monitoring the new arrivals and supplying them with food and water.
As well as continuing to track the progress of pine martens
released on Exmoor and Dartmoor, the Two Moors Pine Marten Project’s aim is to
engage hundreds of people from a wide range of communities across the South
West over the next two years. Opportunities to get involved with the project include:
- Chances for people of all ages and backgrounds
to become citizen scientists and nature spotters – monitoring pine marten
behaviour and other woodland wildlife.
-
Woodland-themed, nature-based activities and events in communities local to pine marten release sites.
-
Small grants for community-based projects that will help nurture local woodland wildlife.
- A free digital download pack focussed on pine
martens and woodlands, containing wildlife spotter sheets, self-guided
discovery trails and craft activities.
Advice to woodland owners on how to manage their woodland to support a range of wildlife which will include enhancing habitat for pine martens.
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.jpg "First pine martens released in Exmoor National Park - Photo copyright Terry Whittaker 2020Vision (All Rights Reserved)")
Anyone interested in finding out more about pine martens and the Two Moors Pine Marten Project are encouraged to go to: www.twomoorspinemartens.org
