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Nineteen Pine Martens Released on Exmoor in First Official Return in 100 Years

The licensed release begins long-term monitoring to rebuild a breeding population for healthier woodlands.

Overview

  • The September release placed nine females and ten males at undisclosed woodland sites managed by the National Trust and Exmoor National Park Authority.
  • The animals came from healthy Highland populations, received health checks, and traveled roughly 500 miles in temperature-controlled vehicles across five overnight journeys before acclimatisation in pens.
  • Each marten was fitted with a radio collar designed to drop off within six to nine months so teams can track movements, survival and settlement.
  • The Two Moors Pine Marten Project, led by Devon Wildlife Trust with partners and National Lottery Heritage Fund support, secured licenses from NatureScot and Natural England.
  • The Exmoor effort builds on Dartmoor’s 2024 reintroduction with kits confirmed in July 2025, and conservationists will monitor for breeding on Exmoor while addressing risks such as road collisions.