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Pine martens return to Dartmoor after 150-year absence

Fifteen of the nimble, tree-climbing mammals were released last month at secret locations in Devon

The eight adult females and seven males were caught from resurgent populations in Scotland, meticulously checked for health, and driven to 10 woodland pens, where they were released under the cover of darkness well away from people and busy roads. But the pine marten still needs a helping hand to establish viable populations across England, according to conservationists, and well-planned official releases – this one took six years of preparation and consultations – using large numbers of health-screened animals are much more likely to succeed. Alex Raeder of the National Trust, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming the return of the pine marten to Dartmoor, which is a significant step in restoring the ecology of these very special oak woodlands so characteristic of the ancient landscapes of the south-west.”

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