Pine martens spotted in Haldon Forest

Conservationists are celebrating the return of pine martens to Devon – including sightings in Haldon Forest – more than 100 years after the species disappeared from the region.

Fifteen of the elusive animals were released on eastern Dartmoor last autumn as part of the Two Moors Pine Marten Project. Since then, they’ve spread out across Devon, with some making their way into the Haldon Forest area.

Wildlife experts say the project has already seen its first success, with pine marten kits born in the wild for the first time in over a century. But alongside the excitement, there are concerns too. A small number of pine martens have been killed on local roads in recent months.

Because pine martens cover large distances and often cross busy routes like the A38 and A380 near Haldon, cameras have now been installed to track their movements. The work is a partnership between National Highways, Devon Wildlife Trust, Animex International and Devon County Council.

Ben Hewlett, from National Highways, said: “Roads connect people and places, but they can be a real barrier for nature. By installing cameras, we can track where pine martens are trying to cross and look at ways of helping them in the future. We also want drivers to be more aware – for their own safety and the safety of the wildlife.”

Haldon Forest is already home to deer, dormice and even otters, and conservationists hope the return of the pine marten will be another boost to the area’s biodiversity.

For now, the message to motorists is simple: if you’re driving near Haldon, keep an eye out – the forest’s newest residents are on the move.