A century’s absence could be overturned for pine martens

A seriously threatened species almost absent for over 100-years could be reintroduced to South Cumbrian woodlands.

The National Lottery supported Back on our Map (BOOM) project is investigating whether small populations of the elusive pine marten should be returned to Grizedale Forest and Rusland woodlands.

A relative of the stoat and weasel, numbers declined through persecution and habitat loss and since 1900 have plummeted in England to the point where they are virtually non-existent.

However, in Scotland, they are faring better and account for 98 percent of the remaining UK population of around 3,700, according to project leads Dr Mic Mayhew and Dr Deborah Brady.

BOOM is a far-reaching four-year programme, led by University of Cumbria, to restore populations of rare plants, butterflies and mammals across South Cumbria. Working with local communities, ambitious actions are designed to encourage them to reconnect with nature.

Until the late 19 century pine martens were well distributed across the county. A new population in South Cumbria could help to connect those in Dumfries and Galloway with recent reintroductions in Gloucestershire and Wales.   

Mammal ecologist, Dr Brady, explained: “Many questions need to be answered to justify their return.

“We need to know how they interact with other wildlife, if there is enough food and sufficient den sites in old trees to allow them to breed. Reproduction rates are low; hence populations would be relatively small.

“People may have concerns about the potential for pine martens to prey on red squirrels. However, there is compelling evidence from Ireland and Scotland that where they have returned, reds rebound at the expense of greys.”

Dr Mayhew added: “It is crucially important to engage with the general public and groups who live and work in the countryside, such as foresters, farmers and gamekeepers.

“We are planning a schedule of small group events to allow people to share their ideas, opinions and concerns before we go any further.”

BOOM is working closely with Forestry England, Vincent Wildlife Trust, Rusland Horizons Trust and other partners on a feasibility study as part of a national move to restore populations across England and Wales.

“Our current focus is to see what communities and the general public think about bringing the pine marten back,” said Dr Mayhew. “We want people to get involved and we’ll be holding public meetings and training events into next year.

“Community is at the heart of all BOOM activities and the pine marten team is looking forward to hearing what they have to say.”

For interview requests, contact Karen Barden 015395 52366; 07793 083106

Picture shows a pine marten, which measure around 50cm in length and weigh up to 2kg, roughly two bags of sugar. Credit Vincent Wildlife Trust/Tony Braithwaite

Frank Greenaway pine marten image