One of the UK’s rarest mammals which were once thought to be extinct has been showing signs of growing in popularity within England’s biggest forest.

Pine martens were spotted again on camera five years ago at Kielder Forest in Northumberland.

Since then, sightings of the fuzzy-haired animal have risen and Forestry England began a project in February last year to increase their numbers even higher, creating 50 denning boxes in one area of conifer forest.

In 2018 they were spotted in the forest for the first time since it was planted in 1926.

It's thought pine martens were once extinct in England due to losing their habitat and being hunted for fur.

What are pine martens?

Pine martens prefer to live in woodland habitats and are known for being very good climbers. They live in tree holes and old bird nests.

They feed on eggs, bugs, small rodents, birds and some types of berries.

If tempted, they can even be encouraged to visit bird tables covered with peanuts and raisins.

 

The Northern Echo: A rare pine marten inspecting a new denning box in Kielder ForestA rare pine marten inspecting a new denning box in Kielder Forest (Image: PA)

 

Another area 15 miles away from Northumberland was also investigated, this time with no boxes, so wildlife experts could assess the impact of providing the creatures with housing.

Hidden cameras quickly captured images of pine martens checking out the denning boxes within a day of them being installed.

When experts examined the boxes in Autumn, they collected faeces from both areas which were DNA-tested to confirm they came from pine martens.

What do the experts say?

Forestry England ecologist Wayne Penrose, said: “Four of the boxes showed clear evidence of martens using them for denning.

“In fact, one inquisitive animal was photographed inspecting a den by a camera installed just 24 hours earlier.

“We also looked for marten scats at set locations around the boxes and found nearly four times the number identified the previous year.

“Increased evidence of pine martens was also found in the area without boxes, in keeping with an upward trend, although not at the same level.

“It is early days and more data is needed, but the results are encouraging. To see such activity around boxes so soon has got everyone buzzing.”