Pioneering pine marten recovery initiative joins the European Rewilding Network

 

Taking pine marten comeback to the next level

Rewilding Europe warmly welcomes the South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project to its growing European Rewilding Network. The aim of the initiative, which is led by the University of Cumbria, is to accelerate the recovery of pine martens in the county of Cumbria, which is located in northwest England, as part of a coordinated national effort to recover the species.  A 50,000-euro grant from Rewilding Europe’s European Wildlife Comeback Fund helped the initiative release 13 pine martens into Cumbrian forests in 2024. Building on this success, further releases are planned for 2025, with the introduction of more individuals set to boost the established population and increase genetic diversity.

Using VHF collars and a network of camera traps, the released pine martens are being monitored by volunteers, vets, and students from the University of Cumbria. Den boxes have also been installed to provide secure breeding sites. A huge milestone was reached earlier this year when the first wild-born kits were observed on camera, bringing the team one step closer to establishing a healthy population of this iconic animal in the landscape.

Pine martens were once common across the UK, but were driven to near extinction by the early 20^th century due to habitat loss and intensive hunting and persecution. Populations have since recovered in Scotland and pine martens are beginning to naturally recolonise parts of England, but this recovery is proceeding slowly and the species remains critically endangered in both England and Wales.

 

 

Strengthening the network

The South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project follows in the footsteps of many other wildlife reintroduction initiatives that have already joined the European Rewilding Network, which now boasts over 100 members across 29 European countries. The inclusion of the initiative will strengthen the network’s collective expertise and help the team take further steps to support pine marten comeback.

“The South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project is delighted to be part of a dynamic community collaborating to protect endangered native species and support nature recovery across Europe,” says Project Manager Mic Mayhew.

 

 

Towards healthier wild nature

Pine martens have a significant influence on the landscapes where they live, helping to keep wild nature balanced and healthy. These elusive animals prey on small mammals and invertebrates, while they also feed on carrion, eggs, berries, and honey. Unlike other omnivorous mustelids, such as badgers, pine martens are expert climbers, which means they fill a different ecological niche.

Research has shown that pine martens may also help protect red squirrels, which are classified as “Endangered” in England and Wales. Where their ranges overlap, martens more often hunt non-native, invasive grey squirrels – as opposed to reds – because grey squirrels are slower, larger, and haven’t evolved to evade these agile predators as successfully. By reducing the grey squirrel population, pine martens also reduce the incidence of Squrrelpox virus, which is carried by grey squirrels and is the leading cause of declining red squirrel populations in the UK.

 

 

Pine martens and people

Reintroducing an animal as charismatic as the pine marten to a landscape can also strengthen the local community’s connection with nature and help to drive the development of nature-based tourism. Public support for the South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project is strong, with community consultation surveys showing over 80% of local residents are in favour of returning the pine marten to English landscapes.

A thriving Cumbrian pine marten population is expected to create tourism opportunities for local businesses, encouraging educational visits, wildlife-watching holidays, and other nature-based tourism activities. The predicted reduction in grey squirrel numbers, and subsequent decrease in damage to trees, will also have a positive impact on the forestry industry. Volunteer-led citizen science schemes are being developed, while members of the farming community are improving habitat for pine martens. Large local landowners, including Graythwaite Estate, are carrying out rewilding alongside their sporting activities to support the recovery of pine martens, as well as beavers, red squirrels, and rare butterflies.

“Our work with the pine marten project is a great example of effective collaboration between the conservation and field sports communities and we are excited and proud to tell our guests that pine martens have returned to the estate,” says Ed Sandys of the Graythwaite Estate.

 

 

Close collaboration

Boosting pine marten populations in northwest England by working closely with a strong regional partnership, as well as other organisations in Wales and Scotland, the South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project is an inspiring example of how cross-country collaboration can deliver a brighter future for endangered native species.

The initiative is a partnership between the University of Cumbria, Forestry England, University of Leeds, Lifescape Project, and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. The team also work closely with Vincent Wildlife Trust and other pine marten recovery initiatives throughout Britain, with critical support from Graythwaite Estate and the Restoring Hardknott Forest Project.

 

 

Let’s rewild together

Rewilding Europe extends a warm welcome to all European rewilding initiatives that focus on practical, results-oriented rewilding and encourages them to apply for European Rewilding Network membership. By joining the network, rewilding initiatives can share their successes, learn from others, and help accelerate nature recovery in Europe. Join us!

 

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