Resources

The aim of this document is to set out a strategic, long-term recovery plan for pine martens in Britain. It follows on from a previous strategy produced in 2011 (Jordan, 2011), which outlined the practical work and research needed to restore and secure the future of pine marten populations in England and Wales up until 2020.

We present a summary of what has been achieved so far and set out a continuing recovery plan for pine martens across Britain that maintains this strategic approach, while emphasising the importance of conserving recovering populations in Scotland.

After a close brush with extinction, the pine marten is making the headlines as it recovers its numbers in Britain and Ireland. It is time for renowned pine marten expert and enthusiast Johnny Birks to reacquaint us with this enchanting mammal. He explores the different forces driving the pine marten's decline and recent recovery; and considers the conflicts that now test the tolerance of those who live with pine martens once more.

Stoats, weasels, martens and polecats belong to the mustelid family, along with badgers and otters, and feral American mink, which are a recent addition to the UK countryside, following escapes and releases from fur farms.
Dr Jenny MacPherson, who managed Vincent Wildlife Trust's Pine Marten Recovery Project for England and Wales, introduces readers to Britain’s small mustelid species in delightfully rich text, covering the animals’ physiology, daily lives and distribution, as well as their significance in UK history and folklore. And she shares her experiences from the forefront of the work to conserve these amazing animals.

This guide provides recommendations for using camera traps effectively and responsibly to monitor pine marten den boxes for volunteers and professionals. 

Monitoring is an important part of pine marten conservation — as their populations expand into new areas it enables an informed approach to supporting the species' recovery. It is, however, imperative that we monitor pine martens using den boxes without disturbing them as it is a criminal offence 
to come within five metres of an occupied den box. This guide outlines best practice for den box monitoring.

A brief introduction to the Martens on the Move project.