We need to value the wildlife we have and the wildlife we have lost, to restore nature. Pine martens once lived in our woods until they were hunted to extinction.

Their absence has left our local wildlife without a vital, functioning part. As predators of small animals, pine martens play a vital role in balancing nature, especially in our woodlands. The return of pine martens to Dartmoor and Exmoor would be a positive step in restoring the fortunes of local wildlife at a time when it faces huge challenges.

Pine Martens Bounce Back: The Two Moors Pine Marten Project aims to restore the natural balance of our much-loved woodlands by bringing back these fascinating wild creatures to the landscapes where they once thrived.

But pine martens will not thrive without the support of communities. People matter and this project will help schools, communities, and people from across the country get involved in nature, woodlands and activities that will nurture understanding of pine martens and support their return to our woodlands.

We’ve put together a brief timeline of what the project has done already and what will happen next.