The endangered pine martens which could be released into the wild in the South West of England

Critically endangered pine martens could be reintroduced to the South West of England following a 150-year absence.

Pine martens used to be among Britain’s most common mammals, but they were pushed to the brink of extinction in England due to loss of habitat and persecution.

They were shot for sport during Victorian times, trapped for their fur and persecuted by gamekeepers. By the 1880s, they had completely disappeared from the South West.

Now the National Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust hope the nocturnal animals could be released back into the West Country as early as autumn 2024.

They are working with both the Exmoor and Dartmoor national park authorities to identify two suitable sites for a release programme.

The Two Moors Pine Marten Project is now in discussions with residents, farmers, landowners and other land users to assess the impact of the plans on the environment and surrounding businesses.

Why has the South West been chosen for the release of pine martens?

Currently, there are few pine martens in the wild, with most of them living in the north west Scottish highlands and small pockets of territory in the uplands of northern England and Wales.

A study published last year found the South West of England is ripe for a reintroduction programme, despite not having the same large blocks of forest as Scotland and Wales.

It found the region’s low density of major roads coupled with a network of woodlands and wooded valleys, often connected by river catchment areas, would provide enough habitat for pine martens to thrive.

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.”

How could pine martens benefit the South West's ecosystem?

Pine martens are omnivores, feeding on whatever is available at the time of year including voles, rabbits, fungi, berries and small birds – helping to keep the woodland ecosystem in balance.

Recent research has also found that they may boost efforts to save the native red squirrel by hunting their more abundant grey rivals.

Ed Parr Ferris, conservation manager with the 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.”