9 female and 10 male animals were released during September at secret locations owned by the National Trust and Forestry England. The releases mark the return of an animal which was once common locally, but which was lost due to hunting and the decline of its favoured woodland habitat. 

The release of pine martens – a small cat-sized, woodland dwelling animal which belongs to the weasel (mustelid) family – is the work of the Two Moors Pine Marten Project and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

The project is led by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust and is a partnership between seven organisations: Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Forestry England, National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust. Expert assistance has been provided by the Vincent Wildlife Trust.  

The pine martens were sourced from healthy wild populations in the North West of Scotland. The reintroduction of pine martens has been licensed by both NatureScot and Natural England. Although sporadic sightings have been reported of pine martens in Exmoor over recent years, this reintroduction is the first to be planned and officially licensed.  

The reintroduction marks the culmination of 3 years of planning by the Two Moors Pine Marten Project working with local volunteers, stakeholders and communities. After undergoing careful health checks in Scotland, the pine martens were driven more than 500 miles through the night in a specially adapted, temperature-controlled vehicle. Altogether staff undertook five carefully planned journeys, each one bringing a small number of pine martens with them. 

On arrival in Exmoor the pine martens were housed separately in specially constructed release pens, each containing a snug den box. There they were allowed to acclimatise quietly to their new surroundings while being provided with fresh food and water. After 72 hours the door to each pen was opened and the pine martens were able to slip into their new wild surroundings in a series of magical moments captured by remote video cameras.

Each pine marten has been fitted with a radio collar allowing project staff to follow their fortunes in coming months. The lightweight handmade leather collars are designed to drop off the animals after 6-9 months.  

The release of pine martens on Exmoor follows a similar successful reintroduction of 15 animals (8 female and 7 male) by the Two Moors Pine Marten Project on Dartmoor in autumn 2024. In the 12 months since, the Dartmoor population has become established with the first births of kits being recorded in July 2025.  

Similar successful releases have also taken place in recent years in the Forest of Dean, Wales and Cumbria. The expectation is that the Dartmoor and Exmoor pine marten populations will expand gradually in coming years, eventually merging to re-establish a stable population in the South West of England signalling positive steps towards returning the native species to its former range. 

Pine martens are solitary animals and live at low density, preferring to form territories in and around woodlands. They are mainly nocturnal and are shy, avoiding contact with humans.  

The return of pine martens to Exmoor was deliberately timed so that the animals could take advantage of the local wild autumn harvest. Pine martens have a varied diet and at this time of year will consume wild fruits, along with hunting for prey which includes small mammals such as voles, mice and grey squirrels. 

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Tracey Hamston leads the Two Moors Pine Marten Project. Tracey said: 

“It’s wonderful to see pine martens living wild in Exmoor again. These animals were once a key part of our thriving woodland wildlife, so it’s good that they are back where they belong. It’s a positive sign that nature can be restored. Our woodlands and their wildlife will benefit from their presence.” 

Lucy Bennett is the Pine Marten Engagement Officer at Somerset Wildlife Trust. Lucie said: 

"We're proud and delighted to see pine martens returning to Somerset and to have played a part in the national recovery strategy as this animal re-establishes its former range. At a time when wildlife needs us more than ever and action is much needed, it's fantastic to see recovery milestones met, like the return of this important mammal in functioning British woodlands. We look forward to monitoring the progression of the Exmoor animals, supporting woodland wildlife and local communities as the pine martens move and expand their range." 

Stuart McLeod is Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Stuart said:  

“This is a landmark moment — witnessing the return of pine martens to Exmoor after more than a century is truly inspiring. Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re helping to restore a native species to the landscapes it once called home. Reintroducing lost wildlife is essential for building resilient ecosystems and driving nature’s recovery. This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations unite with a shared vision.”  

The Exmoor reintroduction comes after a huge effort by the Two Moors Pine Marten Project and its local volunteers. 

Key tasks have included: 

• surveying dozens of sites to determine where best to release pine martens;
• working with landowners, commercial shoot owners and farmers;
• constructing release pens, monitoring the new arrivals and supplying them with food and water.  

As well as continuing to track the progress of pine martens released on Exmoor and Dartmoor, the Two Moors Pine Marten Project’s aim is to engage hundreds of people from a wide range of communities across the South West over the next two years. Opportunities to get involved with the project include: 

• Chances for people of all ages and backgrounds to become citizen scientists and nature spotters – monitoring pine marten behaviour and other woodland wildlife.
• Woodland-themed, nature-based activities and events in communities local to pine marten release sites. 
• Small grants for community-based projects that will help nurture local woodland wildlife.
• A free digital download pack focussed on pine martens and woodlands, containing wildlife spotter sheets, self-guided discovery trails and craft activities.
• Advice to woodland owners on how to manage their woodland to support a range of wildlife which will include enhancing the habitat for pine martens.  

Anyone interested in finding out more about pine martens and the Two Moors Pine Marten Project are encouraged to go to: www.twomoorspinemartens.org