Pine Marten

The fortunes of this largely crepuscular, arboreal mustelid (our only one with semi-retractable claws) are tentatively encouraging, and good, connected woodland habitat is key.

Though they remain scarce and elusive, relocations from Scotland to Wales and the Forest of Dean have helped their spread, and there are small populations in northern England and a new one in the New Forest.

The year’s spring-born kits are now fully grown and independent. Being omnivorous and moulting their summer coat into a thick, warm, winter one means that although they spend more time sleeping, they are still active through winter.