After being absent for decades, pine martens are now present across the New Forest and successfully breeding here according to the results of a three-year study into these rare creatures. Conservationists placed 30 hidden cameras in 11 different parts of the New Forest to observe how these protected creatures are returning to the area.

Pine martens, a cat-sized member of the weasel family, were once widespread across the UK before habitat loss and persecution left only small and fragmented populations, mostly in northern England, Scotland, and parts of Wales.

The study began after a number of reports of public sightings suggested pine martens may have returned to the New Forest. Led by Forestry England and Wild New Forest, with support from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, it aims to understand how these rare creatures are settling here and the size of the population.

A range of techniques were used to study these nocturnal creatures, including hidden cameras and thermal imaging surveys. By analysing over 1,000 hours of footage, the team have been able to confirm that pine martens are not only present but that they have settled right across the New Forest. The network of ancient woodlands here is providing an ideal habitat for them to nest, breed and establish territories. The veteran trees in these areas provide good nesting sites in cavities and plenty of food is available for this omnivorous mammal.

Video clips captured in 2023 clearly show the presence of kits and young pine martens that help to confirm breeding is taking place. The cameras used this year also recorded the presence of other key species of wildlife in the Forest including pole cats, another rare but returning creature.

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