Face-to-face engagements with individuals, community groups and volunteers
1,300
Number of den boxes built by volunteers
50
New pine marten den boxes installed
28
Pine martens are one of our rarest carnivores — together we can protect them
Pine martens are part of our rich wildlife heritage and play an important role in keeping our woodlands healthy and balanced. Since 1983, Vincent Wildlife Trust has been working to conserve pine martens in Britain and Ireland.
Although once widespread across Scotland, England and Wales, the pine marten is now the second rarest carnivore in Britain. Legal protection in 1988 (under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and gradual reforestation allowed pine martens to recover in northern Scotland throughout the latter part of the 20th century. Recent successful reintroduction projects in Wales and England mean that pine martens are now present once again in the three nations of Britain. But to make sure that these founder populations continue to thrive and spread into new areas, we need the help of local communities.
Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Martens on the Move Team has launched into action for pine martens and people across Britain. The project collaborates with local communities, regional and national conservation NGOs, statutory bodies, the forestry sector, public and private landowners, and volunteers to support and promote the natural recovery of pine martens across ten counties of the Scottish/English and Welsh/English Borders.
Martens on the Move across three nations
Strategic Recovery Areas and Monitoring Hubs
Martens on the Move is working with communities, organisations, land owners and managers to help deliver conservation actions across two Strategic Recovery Areas (SRAs) in Britain. The project will be improving habitat, monitoring population expansion and engaging with local communities to prepare them for the return of a native carnivore. Each SRA includes Monitoring Hubs and Pine Marten Havens.
Across six Monitoring Hubs, 250 den boxes will improve habitat, providing pine martens with a safe place to rest, overwinter, give birth and raise their young. These den boxes will be carefully monitored using trail cameras to provide information on breeding success and population establishment.
Collecting data to inform conservation actions
An important part of Martens on the Move is setting up a National Pine Marten Monitoring Programme where participants will monitor den boxes and bait stations using trail cameras and thermal imagers. Data will be shared with VWT through a GIS-based data recording system. The information collected will allow conservation managers to have a Britain-wide understanding of the species’ recovery. This will help to prioritise conservation activities and resources where and how they will be most effective to support the recovery of pine martens across the three nations.
Pine Marten Havens — launching in summer 2025
Martens on the Move is working with four national partners to develop Pine Marten Havens in Scotland, England and Wales. These will be places where people can visit woodlands and learn about these incredible animals. At the Haven sites, there will be a range of resources for all ages and abilities, including nature trails, digital walking trails, and a new wildlife hide. At each Pine Marten Haven, we will work with our partners to demonstrate how their woodlands can be improved for pine martens and woodland wildlife.
Martens on the Move is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are able to bring together local landowners, land managers and communities to help native pine martens return to the forests of Britain.
Thanks to National Lottery players, the National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for UK heritage and people. Its vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone.
Coed Cadw — Woodland Trust Wales
Coed Cadw plants trees and campaigns for better protection for woodlands and trees across the country. It looks after more than 100 woods for people to explore.
Natural Resources Wales
Natural Resources Wales is the largest Welsh Government sponsored body, focused on tackling the climate, nature and pollution emergencies. It works to protect and enhance Wales’ environments.
The National Trust at Wallington
The National Trust's goals for the future are to restore nature everywhere; to end unequal access to nature, beauty and history; to inspire millions more people to care and take action.
Forestry and Land Scotland
Forestry and Land Scotland looks after national forests and land to enhance biodiversity, support tourism and increase access to the green spaces for the benefit of all, now and for the future.
