Longleat: Pine marten caught on camera on Wiltshire estate

The announcement was made on Tuesday, October 9, marking a significant milestone for the animal.

The pine marten, once widespread throughout Britain, nearly became extinct by the early 20th century, but populations have slowly expanded due to successful reintroduction programmes.

Dr Tom Lewis, conservation and research manager at Longleat, said: "What's particularly exciting is that the pine marten at Longleat has appeared naturally rather than through a reintroduction programme.

"We know Longleat is approximately halfway between the Forest of Dean and the New Forest where there are recovering wild populations.

The pine marten at Longleat (Image: Longleat) "There have been sightings in this area but nothing confirmed.

"We put den boxes up earlier this year and within a few months found scat (poo) - we wanted to confirm if they are using the woods or just passing through."

The footage shows the "elusive" creature crossing by a beaver dam.

Dr Lewis added: "They are notoriously elusive creatures, and it is very exciting not just to have caught one on camera but also to have one living here."

Pine martens are a crucial part of the natural ecosystem, feeding on small rodents, birds, eggs, insects, and fruit.

They are also beneficial to the rare red squirrel, which is vulnerable to squirrel pox carried by the non-native grey squirrel.

"Studies have shown that when pine marten populations recover, grey squirrel numbers reduce, and red squirrel numbers can recover," Dr Lewis said.

The pine marten at Longleat (Image: Longleat) "In this part of the country, we are a long way from seeing red squirrels returning, but the arrival of pine martens is another positive step in the right direction."

Head of forestry, Jim McConkie, described the sighting as "great news", adding: "It has been a career goal of mine to work in a woodland with pine martens.

"It shows that our management of the woodland habitats and treescape has created the necessary environment to make it an ideal home for them."

Mr McConkie will be joined on October 16 by pine marten expert Steve Carter, carnivore programme manager for the Vincent Wildlife Trust, to give a talk about the history and conservation of Longleat’s forests and the reintroduction of pine martens across the UK.

Proceeds from the talk, which is exclusively for Longleat members and will cost £1 to attend, will be donated to the trust.