Project aims to return pine martens to South East

The cat-sized predator was once widespread across Britain

Pine martens could be reintroduced to the south east of England.

The rare creatures, members of the weasel family, were common across the UK until hunting and habitat loss drove them to the brink of extinction.

A group of conservation organisations are now exploring ways of reintroducing them to woods in Kent and Sussex.

A public consultation into the scheme has been launched.

The Pine Marten Restoration Project is a partnership between Kent Wildlife Trust, the Wildwood Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Ashdown Forest and Forestry England.

The cat-sized predators, which are a relative of stoats and otters, have been successfully reintroduced in other parts of the country.

Scientists have also found evidence they are breeding in the New Forest.

The animals prefer well-wooded areas with plenty of cover and largely feed on small rodents, birds, insects and fruit.

Scientists believe they have an important role to play in biodiversity and conservation, particularly in controlling the numbers of invasive grey squirrels and protecting populations of native red squirrels.

A public consultation has been launched about reintroducing the creatures

Along with studies to determine whether the habitat is suitable in the south east, the project is also consulting the public.

Matt Phelps, species recovery officer for the Sussex Wildlife Trust, said: “Local people are crucial to the success of any proposed reintroduction project.

“We want to hear from anyone who may have questions, concerns or might want to be involved in the project on a voluntary level."

Follow BBC South East on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.