• New project investigating possibility of return of the native pine marten
• Sites in Exmoor and Dartmoor could see first animals released in 2024
• Reintroduction to South West would help one of England’s most critically endangered animals
• Return of pine martens is ‘important, positive step to address the crisis facing UK nature’
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.
Find out more about the Two Moors Pine Marten Project on the Devon Wildlife Trust's website here.
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Posted On: 22/07/2022