Following victory for Dartmoor wild campers in May, it’s not just humans pitching tents on the high moors that’s a welcome sight in the British national park. For the first time in over a century, pine marten kits have been spotted in the region following efforts to reintroduce this native species.
The footage, caught on camera in June, confirms that the reintroduced mammals have successfully bred after eight females and seven males were released across the national park in 2024. Watch the footage, posted by the Devon Wildlife Trust, below:
These small mammals were once commonplace across the English Southwest before woodland habitat loss and human persecution led to their eradication in the region.
Their recent success is down to the hard work of the Two Moors Pine Marten Project, a partnership between a further seven organizations: Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Forestry England, National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust. The project benefited from support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Vincent Wildlife Trust.
“The birth of the first pine marten kits in Devon in over a century marks a truly historic moment for wildlife recovery,” said Stuart McLeod, Director – London & South, The National Lottery Heritage Fund. He went on to say that the pioneering project had “brought together many organisations with one goal in mind, to help nature’s recovery”.
He added: “This milestone is a testament to the power of long-term conservation, and the resilience of nature when given the chance to thrive”.
The Two Moors Pine Marten Project and its dedicated volunteers have spent hundreds of hours tracking the released pine martens, learning about their behavior by installing den boxes and checking camera traps.
“To now see the next generation of pine martens in the South West is simply fantastic,” said Lucie Bennett, Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Pine Martens Engagement Officer (Exmoor). “What a beautiful sight to see healthy kits moving through the woodlands of Dartmoor that they once again call home. These kits will grow up to do wonderful things as a part of our woodland ecosystem and mark a special moment in history for nature recovery.”
A brighter future for the pine marten
It’s hoped that the South West’s pine marten population will gradually go from strength to strength over the coming years. These shy creatures avoid human contact and are nocturnal, so even keen wildlife watchers may struggle to encounter them on the moors. However, those that do catch a glimpse are being encouraged to get in touch with the Two Moors Pine Project to report the sighting.
Further releases are now planned at secret locations in the neighboring Exmoor National Park for the fall. It’s likely that, after robust health checks, about 20 more pine martens will be relocated there from thriving wild populations in Scotland.
“Exmoor’s woodlands are well-suited to the animals,” says Tracey Hamston, Two Moors Pine Marten Project Lead. “Their arrival in early autumn will coincide with the local natural harvest of wild berries – food which pine martens love. In a year’s time we would hope to see the first kits appearing on Exmoor.”
This article by Alex Foxfield was first published by Advnture on 14 July 2025. Lead Image: Pine martens appear to be thriving again in Dartmoor National Park (stock image) (Image credit: Getty Images).
Wildlife in catastrophic decline
The 73% decline in vertebrate wildlife populations during the last 50 years (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish), is primarily driven by human activities that threaten biodiversity.
Habitat Loss and Degradation – human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, reducing the space and resources available for wildlife.
Pollution – air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and other sources can harm wildlife directly or indirectly by affecting their habitats and food sources.
Climate Change – changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and sea levels are disrupting ecosystems and impacting species’ ability to adapt and survive.
Overexploitation of Resources – unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging practices can lead to the depletion of populations and the loss of biodiversity.
Invasive Species – the introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, compete with native species, and threaten their survival.
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