National Grief Awareness Week. The Grief That Starts Before Goodbye

Grief is not a single moment. It isn’t just the final breath, the last phone call, or the quiet closing of a door.  Grief can begin long before goodbye, long before we even have the words to name it.

For many, grief arrives as a slow unravelling, not a sudden strike, but a quiet, physical breaking that aches through the body long before the heart understands why. It comes in waves that feel confusing and lonely, the shock that something is changing, the denial that whispers maybe it’s not as bad as it seems, the anger that flares at the unfairness of it all, the bargaining with life, doctors, hope itself. Then come the heavy days of depression, the weary acceptance, and eventually, gently the integration, when grief becomes something we fold into our lives instead of fight against. These seven stages don’t follow rules or order. They loop, repeat, collide. Grief is messy because love is messy.

And nowhere is this more true than in dementia.

The grief of losing someone who is still here

When someone we love is living with a Dementia, we lose them in pieces.

The person we once knew, their stories, their jokes, the way they said our name, slowly fades away. You find yourself grieving a laugh that no longer comes, a conversation that now circles endlessly, the spark in their eyes that used to recognise you in an instant.

It is a grief that feels almost invisible, because the world often expects grief to follow death. But here, death has not come, only the quiet, painful vanishing of the person you remember. And that raises a question many carry in their hearts - is this grief any different from the grief that follows death?

In truth, it isn’t.

The pain is real. The loss is real. The longing is real.

It is grief in slow motion, stretched across months or years, demanding a different kind of strength, the strength to keep loving with your whole heart, even as the person you love fades before your eyes.

As National Grief Awareness Week approaches, it encourages us to recognise this quieter grief for what it is. The theme “Growing with Grief” reminds us that grief doesn’t fade just because someone is still here. Instead, we grow around the ache. We adjust our hearts, reshape our routines, and learn to love the person in front of us while mourning the person they used to be.

In the everyday moments, grief lies quietly

In social care, grief isn’t rare or loud, it lives quietly in the day-to-day. It appears in the trembling smile of a son who repeats himself again and again, trying to hold back the grief of knowing his Dad no longer remembers the world they once shared.  In the soft sigh of a wife watching the person she married drift further into a world she cannot enter.  In the long pause before a carer answers the same question again, and again, and again - with kindness, because they know it isn’t really the question that matters, but the reassurance behind it.

These moments rarely make headlines, but they shape the days of those who love, and those who care.

Within this grief, something else grows too.  A tenderness that wasn’t there before. A fierce patience. A love that holds on, even through the cracks and the hurt.

Families learn to hold on to the moments that are still left - a warm hand held tightly, a flicker of recognition, a shared song that somehow still reaches the heart. They are small moments, but they become everything.

You don’t have to carry grief alone

National Grief Awareness Week is a reminder that grief isn’t something we should carry alone. When we talk about it, it becomes a little lighter. Stories connect us. Sharing brings comfort.

The Good Grief Trust continues to shine a light for anyone walking through loss, whether that loss is sudden, expected, complicated, or stretched across years of dementia.  No one should feel isolated in their grief, especially when their heart feels fragile.

This week is a chance to reach out, to talk, to really listen, and to give your grief some room, not to fix it or make it disappear, but to let a little hope grow alongside it.

National Grief Awareness Week runs from 2nd–8th December 2025

 

 For more information about Evolve Care Group: www.evolvecaregroup.com/contact-us

 

 

National Tree Week

November marks the start of the annual tree planting season when thousands of trees and hedgerows are planted by nature conservationists and tree-lovers.

Today let's focus on Bideford's iconic Wonky Conker which still stands tall with a little helping hand. It is perfectly positioned on Kinglsey Road just beyond the Burton Art Gallery and Museum by the entrance to Victoria Park beside the Charles Kingsley Statue on Bideford Quay.

The Wonky Conker ‘The Helping Hand’, by local artist and wood carver John Butler , was commissioned by Torridge District Council some 20 years ago.  The metal prop is covered to look like a log wrist, with oak used to carve the hand & fingers. John Butler was also the curator at Bideford's Burton Art Gallery for 30 years and now continues his art from Bideford Pannier Market.

Photos of the Wonky Conker'Helping Hand' copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

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National Tree Week runs from 22nd November – 30th November

"National Tree Week, brought to you by The Tree Council and partners, brings together the conservation sector, volunteers and tree-lovers to mark the start of the annual tree planting season by planting thousands of trees and hedgerows and celebrating these magnificent mainstays of our landscapes." (tree council.org.uk)

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Finding the Right Rhythm: How Music Brings Connection to a North Devon Nursing Home

At Heanton Nursing Home in Braunton, music isn’t just background noise, it’s a source of comfort and connection.

For family members living with a Dementia, the right song can create a sense of calm, familiarity and belonging, moments that lift the atmosphere and bring people together. Robin Mitchell, who leads regular sing-alongs at the home, has seen first-hand how powerful music can be, and how important it is to get it right.

The music filling the lounge at Heanton might surprise people. Rather than relying on traditional wartime tunes, the playlists are shaped around the eras that today’s older adults grew up with - the 1960s and 70s.

Research into dementia and the brain has shown that the music people listen to in their teens and twenties tends to stay with them throughout life. According to Dementia UK, those years form strong emotional connections in the brain, meaning familiar songs from that period can create a sense of comfort and recognition, even decades later.

For Heanton’s family members, that means the sound of Sweet Caroline (released in 1969), ABBA, or Tom Jones is often what gets toes tapping and faces lighting up. Music from that era isn’t just nostalgic, it’s part of peoples lived experience, connected to the times they were working, raising families or even dancing at the weekend.

“When the right song comes on, you can see the change,” says Robin. “Someone who’s quiet might start tapping their feet, moving with the rhythm or joining in with a few words. It’s like the music gives everyone a lift.” 

Studies by the NHS, Dementia UK and Alzheimer’s Society have long supported this approach, showing that familiar, preferred music can help reduce anxiety, encourage communication and social interaction, and promote a sense of wellbeing. It can also offer peace and comfort at more reflective moments.

Robin adds, “Even a song that brings a tear can be a positive thing, it helps people express how they feel. Everyone connects to music in their own way, and that’s what makes it special.”

Music plays an important role at Heanton. As a complex care home, someone’s feelings is an important part of truly understanding each person they support. Noticing the small things, tuning into emotions, and anticipating needs long before they’re expressed. Robin’s singalongs are a perfect example of this approach, using music to reach family members on an emotional level, helping them create moments of connection and enjoyment that feel familiar, personal and real.

To find out more about the care and support offered at Heanton Nursing Home, visit Dementia, Complex, Respite, and Residential Care in Devon

New report finds return of wildcats to South West England is feasible

A new report published today reveals that the South West of England could support a reintroduction of European wildcats after more than a 100-year absence from the area, marking a vital next step in helping to secure the future of the UK’s most critically endangered mammal.

The study finds that a sustainable population of wildcats could flourish in the South West and that 80% of people surveyed in the region were positive about their reintroduction.

 

The comprehensive two-year investigation, undertaken by the South West Wildcat Project – a partnership of organisations led by Devon Wildlife Trust which includes Forestry England and the Derek Gow Consultancy – concentrated its analysis on four main aspects of wildcat reintroduction: 1) impacts on people and communities; 2) impacts on other wildlife; 3) impacts on farming livestock and pets; and 4) the long-term sustainability of a wildcat population after reintroduction. The report’s full findings can be read at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/south-west-wildcat-project

 

European wildcats – historically also known as ‘woodcats’ – were once widespread in the South West, along with many other parts of England, Scotland and Wales. However, centuries of persecution, plus the loss and fragmentation of their favoured woodland and rough grassland habitats saw them disappear across much of their range. The South West’s last wildcats are thought to have survived until the mid-nineteenth century.

 

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Cath Jeffs is South West Wildcat Project lead. Cath said:

 

“It’s exciting that this report suggests wildcats could be part of the region’s nature once again. The return of this critically endangered species would be another step in the restoration of our native wildlife and will help re-balance local ecosystems.

 

Wildcats were once a widespread part of our countryside and today they remain an important part of woodlands throughout continental Europe including Germany, France, Spain and Italy.

 

A lot of work remains to be done before the first wildcats could be released in the South West. Honest and open dialogue with stakeholders will be key to making sure the species and local communities could thrive alongside one another in the future.”

 

Today the UK’s only remaining wildcats live in the Highlands of Scotland. Despite being given protected status in 1988 wildcats are now classed as ‘critically endangered’ and at risk of extinction with as few as 115 individuals remaining in the wild. The Saving Wildcats project was established in 2020 to reinforce the animal’s numbers in Scotland.

 

In response to the animal’s precarious situation, previous preliminary research into restoring wildcats beyond their Scottish base by the Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT) concluded that the South West may provide the best combination of conditions needed to re-establish the native animal in England.

 

The South West Wildcat Project was therefore established in 2023 to investigate the feasibility of a reintroduction to the region. Its report, published today, concludes:

 

• The South West contains enough woodland cover connected by other suitable habitat to support a sustainable wildcat population. It highlights a well-connected landscape of habitat across mid Devon as potentially the most suitable for reintroductions to take place.

 

• A significant majority of people in the South West expressed positive views towards wildcat reintroduction to their region. Two separate surveys were conducted by independent researchers at the University of Exeter. In one, 71% of 1,000 people (representative of the age and gender of the region’s population) liked the idea of wildcat return. In the other, 83% of 1,425 who responded to an online questionnaire expressed positivity towards wildcat reintroduction. The University of Exeter’s report can be viewed at www.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14283637

 

• Wildcats pose no significant risk to existing endangered wildlife populations such as bats and dormice. Wildcat diets concentrate on widespread commonly found species, with 75% of their prey consisting of small mammals including voles, rats, wood mice and rabbits. Their presence would help ‘balance’ existing ecosystems by returning a missing predator which co-evolved alongside native wildlife.

 

• Wildcats pose no threat to people, domestic pets or farming livestock such as lambs. Commercial and domestic poultry can be protected from wildcats with the same precautions deployed for existing predators such as foxes.

 

The report also identifies two areas which a future reintroduction project should address to ensure success:

 

1. Hybridisation (interbreeding) between wildcats and feral/domestic cats has become a recent issue for the existing wildcat populations in Scotland, threatening the genetic security of the species. The report concludes that, to succeed, a reintroduction project in the South West must address this by working with local communities and cat welfare organisations to support a neutering programme for feral/domestic cats in areas where wildcats will be present.

 

2. A future reintroduction project must also prioritise engagement with local communities and stakeholders. It should establish open and ongoing communication with those who have concerns about wildcats. It proposes a monitoring and management programme which will operate after reintroduction, addressing issues if and where they arise.  

 

While there are no immediate plans to release wildcats, Devon Wildlife Trust and its partners are committed to developing plans for reintroduction. This includes securing funding to ensure the best chance of success.

 

Abby Parravani is Forest Planner at Forestry England. Abby said:

 

“Forestry England is proud to be a partner in the pioneering South West Wildcat Project. I’m thrilled that the feasibility report shows the suitability of South West England to reintroduce this missing native species, contributing to the restoration of ecosystems across this landscape.

We’re looking forward to the next phase of the project as we move one step closer to returning wildcats to the South West.”

Independent research into public attitudes towards wildcats and their reintroduction in the South West of England was undertaken by Dr Roger Auster, Lecturer in Environmental Social Science, based in the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste, University of Exeter. Roger said:

“From both in-person research with stakeholder representatives and public surveys, we found there to be broad support for the idea of wildcat reintroduction, yet with need to understand more about wildcats and the role they play in local ecosystems. With the meaningful involvement of stakeholders during planning, we conclude that wildcat reintroduction is socially viable."

The South West Wildcat’s full report is available to read on the Devon Wildlife Trust website, along with a summary report and FAQs about wildcats  www.devonwildlifetrust.org/south-west-wildcat-project

Wildcat. Photo copyright Tom Mason (All Rights Reserved)

Wildcats. Photo copyright Tom Mason (All Rights Reserved)

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Devon Wildlife Trust’s Cath Jeffs will be giving an on-line talk ‘Wildcats: could the UK’s rarest mammal make a return to Devon?’ at 6pm on Thursday 4^th December. To register for free go to www.devonwildlifetrust.org/events

Lighting Up the Sky and the Community at a North Devon Nursing Home

By the time the first firework burst above the trees at Heanton Nursing Home, the grounds were filled with families, children in bright coats and people arriving with umbrellas. There was laughter, conversation and that unmistakable sense of community.

Residents (who they fondly refer to as family members) were wrapped in blankets and supported outside so they could be part of it all. Seeing them among the crowd, smiling as the fireworks lit up the sky, was one of the highlights of the evening. Many visitors commented on how special it was to see everyone, young and old, sharing the night side by side.

The BBQ ran non-stop, with people queueing for hot food made on-site using locally sourced meats from Reeds Butchers in Braunton, the same butcher that provides the meals enjoyed by family members every day. “You can taste when something’s local,” one visitor said.

Several people mentioned they hadn’t planned to do anything for Bonfire Night this year but decided to come along after seeing Heanton’s invitation. What might have been an ordinary evening at home instead became a night filled with laughter and conversation. Local councillor Graham Bell attended with his family and spoke with team members and visitors throughout the evening, sharing that sense of community that filled the grounds.

By the end of the night, £226 had been raised, which will go directly towards making Christmas special for the family members who call Heanton home. As people began to leave, almost everyone said the same thing, that they hoped this would happen again next year.

Although Heanton is known in the community as a complex nursing home, evenings like this show there’s so much more to it than that. It is a home full of life, laughter and connection, a place where family members are supported to take part, and where the community is always welcome to join in.

It’s a reminder that complex care doesn’t mean life has to be lived apart.

To read more about the events and people at Heanton-  News & Blogs - Heanton Nursing Home - Devon Nursing Home

Joan Miró: Painting and Poetry at The Burton at Bideford

The Burton at Bideford is proud to present the Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition ‘Joan Miró: Painting and Poetry’. The exhibition will bring together 26 lithographic prints created to illustrate the writings of the celebrated French surrealist poet Robert Desnos.

 

One of the 20th century’s most influential and recognisable artists, Joan Miró’s highly individual style placed him at the forefront of Surrealism and Dadaism. Primarily known as a painter and sculptor, Miró was also a celebrated and dynamic printmaker. Within this practice the artist produced a remarkable and extensive output of book illustrations, often created for artists, writers and poets associated with the Surrealist movement.

 

The first prints Miró ever made were illustrations for a book of poems, and literary sources would prove a constant inspiration for the artist. Miró never considered his involvement in these books to be strictly that of an illustrator. He worked from the free expression of what the text suggested to him and embraced the process of finding the image through experiment and accident.

 

The exhibition will shine light on Miró’s prints and how they are not only an excellent example of the richness and variety of his print production, but also his famous experimentation with vivid colours and abstract shapes.

 

Harriet Cooper, Director of The Burton at Bideford, says:

 

“The Burton is excited to present the work of internationally celebrated artist Joan Miró this autumn. The South West of England is home to a thriving creative community working in print, and this exhibition showcases Miró’s vibrant and playful approach to the artform. Our collaboration with Hayward Gallery Touring on this project recognises The Burton’s ongoing role in bringing world-class art to North Devon, inspiring audiences young and old.”

 

Joan Miró, Untitled, 1974 © Successió Miró / ADAGP, Paris and DACS London 2025. (All Rights Reservied).

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‘Joan Miró: Painting and Poetry’ runs from 22nd November 2025 – 18th January 2026 at The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ. Free entry. For more details see www.theburton.org

Remembrance Day Creative Tribute at North Devon Nursing Home

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon honoured Remembrance Day with a week of meaningful activities designed to encourage reflection, creativity, and connection.

Family members – the home’s affectionate term for residents – took part in poppy-themed arts and crafts, painting and decorating handmade tributes which are now displayed throughout the home. On Remembrance Sunday, the home gathered together to watch the televised national service, offering a shared moment for those wishing to pay their respects.

Home Manager Gayle Cooper shared:

‘Remembrance Day holds deep significance for many of our family members – whether through personal memories, relatives who served, or simply the wish to pay tribute to those who gave so much. It is an emotional day for many, and we make sure to honour it in every way we can.’

Edenmore Nursing Home is the only nursing home in Ilfracombe, offering the reassurance of 24-hour nursing care so that help is always available when needed, without delays or waiting for support to arrive. 

To find out more, visit https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

A Remembrance Day Tribute: Corporal Pete Shepherd’s Legacy Lives On

On Remembrance Day, we pause to honour former Corporal Pete Shepherd, because for him, service didn’t end when the uniform was folded away. It became part of who he is.

Pete joined the Royal Corps of Transport in 1965 at age 20. Over 12 years, he served five tours in Northern Ireland, including high-risk bomb disposal work during The Troubles. His courage in the face of danger helped lay the foundations for modern bomb disposal techniques. Pete also served in Germany and Bahrain.

Decades later, Pete was diagnosed with PTSD, a reminder of the long-term impact of military service. His story highlights the importance of charities like the Felix Fund, which support the mental health of bomb disposal personnel.

Despite hardships, Pete fondly recalls light-hearted moments, from babysitting a rabbit to mischievous regimental pranks. For his service, he received the General Service Medal with Northern Ireland clasp.

In 1971, Pete met and married Sally just two months after meeting – a love story that has lasted 53 years. After leaving the Army, he worked for 30 years at a Spam board factory, showing the same dedication he brought to military life.

Now living with a Dementia, Pete has also faced cancer and major heart surgery. His daughter Claire describes the heartbreak of placing him in care, saying, “Watching his dementia progress feels like constant grief.”

Life at Heanton

Since moving into Heanton Nursing Home in April 2025, Pete has been supported with care that honours his identity. His room is filled with military memorabilia, and he’s still proudly referred to as “Sergeant Shepherd.” His salutes and discipline reflect the deep imprint of his service, offering a sense of continuity even as his memory fades.

Dementia and Complex Care, Shaped by Identity

Heanton Nursing Home, based in North Devon, specialises in supporting adults living on complex journeys, including Dementia, mental health conditions and other long-term needs requiring compassionate and consistent care. Focusing on truly understanding each person, their history, identity and what matters to them – enabling the right support without restraint or sedation.

At Heanton, we believe no one is "challenging" when their needs are met with compassion, understanding and their independence is encouraged. At Heanton Nursing Home, life continues with dignity, choice and purpose.

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To read the full story please visit Honouring Identity in Dementia: A Devon Veteran’s Story - HeantonNursing Home

Nursing Home Celebrates Diwali, The Festival of Lights

Hatherleigh Nursing Home in Okehampton, Devon, celebrated Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with a day dedicated to culture, cuisine, and community.

The home, which supports individuals on a cognitive journey, marked the occasion with traditional food, music, dancing, and colourful decorations. Team members from the Hindu community shared their culture with family members (residents) and colleagues, creating an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

Members of the kitchen team, Gurjeet and Jisho, prepared a delicious menu of traditional Indian dishes, including sweet and sour cauliflower, beef curry with vegetable rice, chickpea curry, and vermicelli pudding — all of which were enjoyed by everyone.

The team transformed the dining room and lounge with colourful decorations and lights, creating a welcoming and immersive space where family members, team members, and visitors could come together. Everyone enjoyed watching a traditional Hindu dance performance by a team member, while others came in on their day off and brought their children along, adding an intergenerational element to the celebration.

The Devon Nursing Home said “We’re proud to have such a diverse team and to share in the spirit of Diwali - a time of light, renewal and community. Wishing happiness and peace to all who mark the occasion.”

If you would like to learn more about Hatherleigh Nursing Home, please visit https://www.hatherleighnursinghome.com/lifes-journey-continued/

A Birthday to Remember: John’s Lifelong Dream Comes True at Ilfracombe Harbour

Recently, one of the residents (fondly known as family members) at Edenmore Nursing Home, John Baker, celebrated his birthday with an outing to Ilfracombe Harbour. Joined by a close friend and fellow family member, Pamela Baines, John spent the day soaking up the sights of the Quay, admiring the iconic Verity statue, and – most excitingly – fulfilling a lifelong dream: seeing a full-sized lifeboat up close.

A boat enthusiast, John was thrilled to visit the impressive vessel at the RNLI Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station. The lifeboat crew gave him an informative tour, explaining the many ropes and knots required in their work, and even letting him try on one of their safety helmets.

To mark the occasion, the crew presented John and Pamela with a commemorative plaque - a thoughtful gesture that touched John deeply. Afterwards, the pair spent a relaxed afternoon watching the boats come and go from the harbour, enjoying ice creams in the seaside air.

Back at Edenmore, John couldn’t wait to share his adventure with team members and fellow family members, encouraging everyone to visit the harbour themselves and telling them, ‘I’ll never forget that day’. Gayle Cooper, home manager, shared, ‘he hasn’t stopped talking about the day since.’ The lifeboat crew has now been invited to Edenmore Nursing Home to give a talk on lifesaving at sea.

Edenmore Nursing Home is a Devon Nursing Home located close to Ilfracombe town centre in North Devon, with costal views. The home supports individuals who require Nursing and Dementia Care. 

To find out more about the home, please visit https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

Sundial Care Home Hosts Coffee Morning in Support of Hospice Care

Sundial Care Home located near Sidmouth, Devon recently held a coffee morning in support of Hospice Care. The coffee morning created a warm, relaxed atmosphere in the home, filled with conversation over cake and community!

Hospice Care previously supported the care home by attending their Summer Fair with a popular tombola stall, and this coffee morning offered a wonderful opportunity to return and show support for each other, strengthening connections within the care community.

Sundial’s kitchen team baked a rich coffee and walnut cake, and a classic Victoria sponge with whipped cream and fresh raspberries picked straight from the care home’s gardens, where the gardening club has been busy growing a variety of fruit and vegetables.

Team members and volunteers at the home supported family members (residents) to join in conversations in the homes dining area, where a table was laid with a variety of cakes and snacks to choose from along with tea and coffee.

Sundial Care Home continues to strengthen their relationships within their local, and care community. The care home organises an array of events annually, welcoming relatives, members of the community and other local organisations. The homes model of care highlights the importance of human connection, continuing independence and sustaining a strong community presence that creates a true home-from-home environment. The coffee morning with Hospice Care was an example of this ethos, bringing people together to enjoy good company, homemade goods, and meaningful conversation, all while supporting an important local cause.

If you would like to learn more about Sundial Care Home, please visit https://www.sundialcare.com/lifes-journey-continued/

Barnstaple Care Home Fundraiser: Classic Cars & BBQ

H1 – Funds Raised in a complex care home in North Devon

On Sunday 21st September, the peaceful village of Heanton Punchardon was filled with the rumble of engines and the smell of a sizzling BBQ. Heanton Nursing Home welcomed more than 20 classic vehicles from the North Devon Sports and Classic Cars Club, turning a quiet corner of North Devon into a lively celebration. For residents (family members), their loved ones and the local community, it was a chance to admire the gleaming cars, share stories and enjoy the warmth of a true community gathering.

The owners of the cars were just as thrilled as residents, proudly lifting bonnets and swapping stories about their beloved classics. Laughter and chatter carried across the drive. “It brought such a wave of nostalgia,” said Home Manager Abi Denford. “You could see the joy on people’s faces as they shared their stories and for those living with dementia on a complex journey, those moments of connection through nostalgia are especially powerful.”

St Augustine’s Church, right next door to the home, was wonderfully supportive. Announcing the event during Sunday service. As a result, several people came straight over afterwards, including Rev. Glyn Lewry, who spent a long time chatting and admiring the cars.

The BBQ was a real hit, with locally sourced meats provided by Reeds Butchers in Braunton. Alongside the food, there were lots of warm conversations about the home, dementia, and interest in Heanton’s household model of care.

The event carried a special meaning for the home. It had been inspired by a much-loved family member who was once a mechanic and often asked the team about cars. When the idea of a major event was raised, he was especially excited at the thought of a car show, often talking about how much he wanted to see the vehicles and sharing stories of cars being restored. Sadly, he passed away earlier this year before the show could take place.  In the week leading up to the event, heavy rain fell every day, with forecasts predicting an 80% chance of showers. But, as the cars began to arrive, the clouds cleared, and the sun shone for the rest of the afternoon. Every soft-top roof stayed down, and people were able to sit outside to enjoy the warmth. The care homes Administrator Sabrina said “I’m not religious but I feel he had something to do with it …”

Plans are already underway for an even bigger Classic Car Show in 2026. The afternoon also had a bigger purpose; this year’s event raised a total of £365.35 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

First pine martens released in Exmoor National Park in landmark nature recovery project

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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Pine marten - Photo credit Terry Whittaker 2020Vision

Anyone interested in finding out more about pine martens and the Two Moors Pine Marten Project are encouraged to go to: www.twomoorspinemartens.org