Wildlife

Wild Pine Marten Recovery Scotland

Pine marten populations are recovering in Scotland and being reintroduced to Wales and England, with significant ecosystem effects including squirrel dynamics.

Key Facts

Pine martens were reduced to a Scottish Highland remnant population by the 20th century
Scottish population recovery has expanded into southern Scotland and northern England
Reintroduction to Wales has been successful with established breeding pairs
Pine martens appear to disproportionately predate grey squirrels over red squirrels
Legal protection and reduced predator persecution have enabled recovery

Welfare Considerations

Pine marten recovery is a conservation success raising welfare considerations around territory establishment, road mortality during dispersal, and interaction with other species. Individual welfare support during translocation - including health screening, appropriate release sites and monitoring - maximises reintroduction welfare outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support pine marten reintroduction programs with charitable donations
Report pine marten sightings to wildlife trust recording schemes
Avoid disturbing pine marten territories in areas of known presence