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Information sessions ahead of pine marten release

Kelly Withers
BBC News, Somerset
PA Media The picture shows a pine marten in woodland. The mammal has a yellow chest and brown fur. PA Media
The cat-sized predators will be released on Exmoor in 2025

A project aiming to release more pine martens in the South West is holding drop-in sessions for people to find out more about the programme.

Devon Wildlife Trust re-introduced the mammals across Dartmoor in 2024 and hopes to do the same on Exmoor later this year.

Ali North, a field officer with the trust, said: "We're providing opportunities for land managers and landowners to come and discuss what it means to live alongside pine martens."

Pine martens, which are related to weasels and otters, is a woodland species and are the size of a small domestic cat.

Mark Hamblin/2020Vision A pine marten on a tree branch in woodland Mark Hamblin/2020Vision
The pine marten is being reintroduced to the South West after a 150-year absence

Drop-in sessions will be held in Wheddon Cross, Holford and Allerford in June.

Ms North added: "We hope to explain how landowners can aid the recovery of pine martens and how to mitigate any potential conflict as well.

"We're keen for people to understand what a pine marten is, how to look for one and to know what they're looking for."

Fifteen of the mammals were released across Dartmoor - eight females and seven males who were all fitted with radio collars so they can be tracked.

The Two Moors Pine Marten Project is being led by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust, which is working with organisations such as Exmoor National Park Authority and Somerset Wildlife Trust.

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