Exmoor Welcomes Back Native Pine Martens After a Century

In a significant step for wildlife conservation, Exmoor National Park has welcomed the return of pine martens, a native species that had been absent from the area for over a century. Last month, a total of 19 pine martens were released at secret woodland locations owned by the National Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority.

The reintroduction project, led by the Devon Wildlife Trust, is part of a broader effort to restore the pine marten population and its crucial role in the local ecosystem. Pine martens, which are solitary and mainly nocturnal, were once common in Exmoor but were lost due to hunting and habitat decline. This marks the first official, planned and licensed reintroduction of the species to the area.

The pine martens, nine females and 10 males, were carefully selected from healthy wild populations in the Scottish Highlands. After health checks, they were transported over 500 miles to Exmoor, where they were housed in specially constructed release pens to acclimatize before being allowed to explore their new wild home. The animals have been fitted with radio collars to monitor their movements in the initial months.

Conservationists are hopeful that the reintroduction will help restore the balance of Exmoor's woodlands, as pine martens play a vital role in their habitat. As generalist predators, they help control populations of small mammals and spread seeds through the forests, contributing to a thriving, resilient ecosystem. The project is part of a broader vision to see Exmoor's woodlands teeming with diverse, abundant wildlife.