Shropshire pine marten sighting prompts cash plea

Amateur photographer Dave Pearce spotted the pine marten in woodland

The first sighting of a wild pine marten in England for over a century has triggered an appeal by Shropshire Wildlife Trust.

It was spotted in early July, confirming numerous rumours about the animal's presence in the county.

Mammal expert Stuart Edmunds, who identified a photograph of the marten, said they may have been living "right under our noses for a long time".

The trust wants to raise money for a pine marten project.

The scheme would involve scouring the area to find out how many pine martens are in Shropshire as well as protecting and preserving their habitat.

Mr Edmunds said: "We need to make sure there are places for them to live, feed and breed in safety.

"This project is essential to help the recovery of these fascinating creatures in England."

The large mammal, often confused with the similar-looking stoat, is thought to have spread over the border from Wales where a small number live.

Scotland has the largest population of pine martens in the UK, with about 4,000.