Travelling Pine Martens - Peggy

Pine marten on log

Mark Hamblin

Congratulations you found Peggy!

Peggy is a pine marten, an animal the size of a small cat belonging to the same family as otters and weasels. Once widespread across the UK, pine martens are an important animal that has been missing from our woodlands for 150 years. 

The Two Moors Pine Marten project has recently reintroduced pine martens from Scotland to Dartmoor and Exmoor. Each pine marten is released wearing a temporary collar that lets us track them as they explore their new home in the South West. 

You must be an expert tracker! You found Peggy, but what has she been doing since her release?

In spring, female pine martens will give birth to 2-3 babies called kits. The kits will stay with their mother until the autumn or through the winter. 


They explore, forage and hunt together by using the natural features and paths in the woodlands. 

Fallen trees across streams and rivers are a brilliant natural bridge that helps pine martens get around in their territories. 

10 pine marten cuddly toys in a row

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the individual bib patterns of the pine martens released on Dartmoor and Exmoor

Did you know, each pine marten has a unique bib pattern on their chest — just like a fingerprint!

Our field officer, Ali, has created a special “Bibliography” of all the pine martens across Dartmoor and Exmoor. By matching these bib patterns in trail camera footage, we can identify each individual, monitor their welfare, and learn where they’re living.

Find more Travelling Pine Martens

The Travelling Pine Martens will be available to meet 12th August - 2nd September. Opening days and times vary for each location, please check before travelling:

Exmoor Locations

Dartmoor Locations

 

 

 

A pine marten peeking its head around a tree

Credit Terry Whittaker/2020VISION

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Pine Martens Bounce Back: The Two Moors Pine Marten Project aims to restore healthy populations of pine martens to the South West of England. It is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund and with thanks to National Lottery players.

The project is led by Devon Wildlife Trust and is a partnership between seven conservation organisations: Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon Wildlife Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, Forestry England, National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust.

logo stack of partners in the Two Moors Pine Marten project

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