Plans for the possible reintroduction of pine martens to the South West of England are announced today (Friday 22 July 2022) by a partnership of leading conservation organisations.
Pine martens are part of the weasel – also known as mustelid – family of animals. Other members include stoats, polecats and otters. The species disappeared from the region around 150 years ago.
Now a partnership of conservation bodies including Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, the National Trust and the Woodland Trust hopes to reintroduce the species.
Together the conservation bodies have launched the Two Moors Pine Marten Project to explore the possibility of bringing pine martens back to the region. The plans are being seen as an important positive step in response to the wider crisis facing the UK’s nature.
In recent months, the partnership has begun discussing the proposals with people, farmers, landowners and other stakeholders in two areas – one in Exmoor National Park, and the other in Dartmoor National Park. These discussions are planned to continue for the next 18 months. The first pine martens could then be released in stages beginning in autumn 2024.
The pine marten was once Britain’s second most common carnivore, until a loss of habitat and persecution led to their drastic nationwide decline, and their extinction from South West England in the 1880s. Now it is Britain’s second least common carnivore and is judged to be ‘critically endangered’ in England and Wales. Populations have survived in Scotland and parts of Northern England, while successful reintroductions have taken place recently in Mid Wales and the Forest of Dean.
Pine martens are seen as a vital missing part in thriving and fully functioning ecosystems, especially the nation’s woodlands. In 2021, an expert-led study by the Vincent Wildlife Trust, with the support of Natural England and NatureScot, identified the South West as the most suitable and highest priority British region for pine marten reintroduction (1).
The Two Moors Pine Marten Project is working with experts and local stakeholders to determine what the animal’s reintroduction would mean to other wildlife, agriculture, shooting estates and woodland management. If reintroduction were to take place, the animals’ progress would be closely monitored by the project.
Pine martens are solitary animals and most active at night. They live at low density, with a few animals spread over a large area. Their diets are made up of bank and field voles, plus wild berries, insects, birds, eggs and squirrels.
Sarah Bryan, Chief Executive of Exmoor National Park Authority, said:
“We’re pleased to be looking at the possibility of making these charismatic creatures part of Exmoor’s rich natural heritage once again. The next step will be to talk with local people and those with direct experience of pine martens to determine if reintroduction is right for Exmoor and, if so, how we can work together to design a successful reintroduction programme.”
Ed Parr Ferris, Conservation Manager, Devon Wildlife Trust, said:
“As communities rightly seek to plant more woodlands to address carbon and climate, it is vital we also bring back the wildlife and wild processes that make those woodlands alive and functioning properly. This can bring challenges and sometimes requires changes to how we live alongside nature, and so we want to work with all those affected over the next 18 months to understand how to do that sustainably – for pine martens, other wildlife and people.”
Alex Raeder MRICS, National Trust South West Landscapes Partnerships Manager, said:
“The UK is one of the most nature depleted nations on the planet. Bringing back the Pine marten to its old haunts in the ancient woodlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor would redress some of that lost ecology and offer a sign of hope that we can reverse the biodiversity crisis we currently face.”
Eleanor Lewis, Devon Partnership Lead for the Woodland Trust, said:
“Having supported the project that reintroduced pine martens to the Forest of Dean we are excited to be part of the team exploring the reintroduction of pine martens to Devon. We have seen that it can be successful, and it would be brilliant to have these elusive creatures returning to Devon once more. Having them back in our woods will help redress the balance of the complex woodland food web and support a thriving woodland ecosystem. ‘
People wishing to find out more about the Two Moors Pine Marten Project can visit
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/bringing-back-pine-martens
ENDS.
Notes:
(1) See Long-term strategic recovery plan for pine martens in Britain, Jenny MacPherson and Patrick Wright (June 2021), Published by Natural England, NatureScot and Vincent Wildlife Trust. Click here.
More information
We’ve put together a comprehensive list of FAQs about pine martens and the Two Moors Pine Marten Project here. https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/two-moors-pine-marten-project-faqs
More on the Two Moors Pine Marten Project
The long-term strategic recovery plan for pine martens in Britain (2021) published by Vincent Wildlife Trust, Natural England and NatureScot
Vincent Wildlife Trust pine marten recovery projects in Mid Wales, Scotland and Northern England.
Gloucestershire pine marten reintroduction project – A collaboration between Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Forestry England, Forest Research and Vincent Wildlife Trust on a project to reintroduce pine martens to the Forest of Dean and lower Wye Valley.
Notes to Editors
About Dartmoor National Park Authority
Dartmoor National Park Authority was created by the Environment Act 1995 to:
- conserve and enhance Dartmoor National Park’s natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage
- promote opportunities for the public to understand and enjoy the special qualities of Dartmoor National Park.
It also has a duty to:
- promote the economic and social wellbeing of local communities in Dartmoor National Park.
It is governed by 19 members who are appointed by local authorities and central government.
Its aims are to:
- Help to conserve and enhance the biodiversity, cultural heritage and landscape of Dartmoor
- Provide opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside and contribute to their health and wellbeing
- Support local communities and the rural economy
- Be an efficient and effective organisation which works with partners to deliver the best outcome for Dartmoor.
About Devon Wildlife Trust
Devon Wildlife Trust is a leading county environmental charity, with more than 38,000 members. The charity manages 60 nature reserves across Devon, including a range of beautiful landscapes such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths. Devon Wildlife Trust relies on charitable donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the general public to raise more than £5million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org
About Exmoor National Park Authority
First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.
Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk for more information.
About the National Trust
The National Trust is a conservation charity founded in 1895 by three people: Octavia Hill, Sir Robert Hunter and Hardwicke Rawnsley, who saw the importance of the nation's heritage and open spaces and wanted to preserve them for everyone to enjoy. Today, across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, we continue to look after places so people and nature can thrive.
The challenges of the coronavirus pandemic have shown this is more important than ever. From finding fresh air and open skies to tracking a bee's flight to a flower; from finding beauty in an exquisite painting or discovering the hidden history of a country house nearby - the places we care for enrich people's lives.
Entirely independent of Government, the National Trust looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 780 miles of coastline and 500 historic properties, gardens and nature reserves.
The National Trust is for everyone - we were founded for the benefit of the whole nation. We receive on average more than 26.9 million visits each year to the places we care for that have an entry fee, and an estimated 100m visits to the outdoor places that are free of charge.
Paying visitors, together with our 5.6 million members and more than 53,000 volunteers, support our work to care for nature, beauty, history. For everyone, for ever.
About the Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.
The Trust has three key aims:
- protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable
- restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life
- Plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.