More pine martens living in the New Forest, study finds

Forestry England says sightings over the past 12 months suggest they are inhabiting several parts of the district and appear to be breeding.

A year ago conservationists confirmed that pine martens had returned to the Forest.

They used to be found in most parts of the UK but habitat loss and human activity led to a sharp fall in their numbers. At one stage they were thought to be confined to Northern England, Scotland and parts of Wales.

However, a pine marten was spotted in the New Forest in 1993 and sightings have been reported ever since.

Wildlife experts are celebrating an increase in the number of pine martens thought to be living in the New Forest. (Image: Newsquest.)

A team from Forestry England, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, and Wild New Forest launched a study a year ago.

Speaking at the time Marcus Ward, of Wild New Forest, said: “This new project is a wonderful opportunity to assess the current status of the New Forest population and will help inform their future conservation.”

Leanne Sargent, senior ecologist at Forestry England, added: "It's not often we're able to talk about wildlife returning to landscapes and re-establishing their populations.

"The New Forest is a unique landscape and through this work we hope to learn just what makes it such a good habitat for returning pine martens."

Wildlife experts are celebrating an increase in the number of pine martens thought to be living in the New Forest. (Image: Newsquest)

The team have used a range of techniques to study the nocturnal creatures, including hidden cameras.

Every pine marten has a uniquely shaped bib – a pale yellow section of fur on its chin and throat - which makes it possible to identify and record each one.

Pine martens are cat-sized members of the weasel family.

They prefer well-wooded areas, which provide plenty of cover, and live on a diet of birds, small rodents, insects and fruit.

Wildlife experts are celebrating an increase in the number of pine martens thought to be living in the New Forest. (Image: Newsquest.)

Joanne Gore, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: "Pine martens should be part of the natural ecology of the south of England, but persecution and habitat loss have decimated the population.

"However, a population might once again be present in the Forest."

Earlier this month it emerged that a pine marten had been spotted in London for the first time in more than a century.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook.