A coalition of leading conservation groups has been awarded a £1.2 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore woodlands in South West England by reintroducing the pine marten, a native animal that has been absent from the area for 150 years. The Two Moors Pine Marten Project will focus on Dartmoor and Exmoor, aiming to bring back around 40 pine martens over the next two years.
These animals, sourced from healthy populations in Scotland, will be released at carefully chosen locations. The exact timing of these releases remains to be announced. The initiative, led by the Devon Wildlife Trust, includes a partnership of seven organisations: Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Forestry England, National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, and Woodland Trust.
The project not only targets wildlife restoration but also seeks to involve the community through various activities. An extensive three-year program will involve thousands of people in efforts to support the reintroduction and woodland restoration. Opportunities for community involvement include: Additionally, the project emphasises creating volunteer and traineeship opportunities for young people, helping them gain conservation experience.
Ed Parr Ferris, Conservation Manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players. The return of pine martens to the South West of England is an exci.
