Mark Hamblin
Congratulations you found Polly!
Polly 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 Polly, but what has she been doing since her release?
Pine martens are brilliant climbers. They explore trees, scrub and rocky areas in their woodland to hunt small mammals and forage for fruit.
They like to rest and make their homes in trees, using holes and nooks to sleep and raise their young. We call these homes “dens”.
If you look closely as she climbs up, you can see that she has large nipples. This confirms that she has her own kits hidden in a den nearby!
Win your own pine marten cuddly toy!
Enter our competition to be in with a chance to take home your very own pine marten cuddly toy.
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:
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Exmoor Locations |
Dartmoor Locations
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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.
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